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Avs need Johnson back

March 6, 2013, 11:09 PM ET [34 Comments]
Aaron Musick
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
20 minutes were all that was separating the Avs from breaking the points streak of the Chicago Blackhawks. Without Erik Johnson, that 20 minutes might as well have been an eternity.

Johnson has missed the last twelve games with a concussion and the Avs have not been the same without him. As he is nearing return, it is becoming apparent the Avs desperately need him.

In the 12 games that Johnson has been out the Avs have blown six third period leads, given up 3.3 goals per game and given up 34.5 shots per game. That is up from 2.6 and 29 respectively with no blown third period leads.

Johnson's offensive numbers are noticeable but that does not mean he is worthless. With him in the lineup the Avs have a player who takes care of the puck, clears the front of the net (try it, please, O'Byrne) and will get the biggest assignments at the end of the game. It might also allow Joe Sacco to keep at least one defenseman on both powerplay units so Ryan O'Reilly isn't forced to wear a defenseman's hat.

The Avs' energy the past two games has been great, their gameplan has been sound and they have played two good games. They got stoned by a hot goalie in Detroit and got overpowered by a high-flying Hawks team.

Still, Johnson would give the Avs more stability on defense, late in games. The Avs need to put a winning streak together to get back into the playoff hunt, especially after going 0-2-1 on the road trip, and they cannot do that without Johnson.

Three Stars

1. Daniel Carcillo- Scored the game-winning goal
2. Semyon Varlamov- Played huge, gave the Avs a chance to win
3. Patrick Sharp- did not score but was the most dangerous player until he left in the third period.

Facepalm of the Game

The refs missing Jamie McGinn getting the stick slashed out of his hand earns this one. If McGinn has his stick, Toews cannot curl the puck around Varlamov's pad. The reffing this season, overall, has been suspect and it is starting to affect games.

Bang Bang play of the Game

Varlamov and Duchene combined for a huge save and nasty goal nine seconds apart. Duchene banked the puck off Ray Emery's hip and into the net after Varlamov denied Sharp on doorstep chance
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