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Knee injury shelves Johnson 3-8 weeks |
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Rick Sadowski
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Coach Patrick Roy announced that defenseman Erik Johnson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Monday and will miss between three and eight weeks to recover, a major hit for the Avalanche's playoff hopes.
Johnson had to skip what would have been his first NHL All-Star Game Sunday because of the injury. He's tied for first among league defensemen in goals with a career-high 12 and has 11 assists in 47 games. He's averaging an Avalanche high 24:25 in ice time and also leads the team with 107 blocked shots.
"It's part of the game and he is very disappointed with the situation, but it's out of our control," Roy said following an hour-long practice. "Now what we can control is how we play (Tuesday) night in Nashville. That's what we need to focus on. We have a lot of confidence in our group and it will be a different responsibility for some of our defensemen."
The Avalanche recalled goalie Reto Berra and forward Dennis Everberg from Lake Erie in the AHL but no defenseman, so they'll go with the six remaining on the roster: Tyson Barrie, Nate Guenin, Jan Hejda, Nick Holden, Zach Redmond and Brad Stuart.
The Avalanche dressed seven defensemen last Wednesday in their 3-2 shootout win against Boston because Johnson was obviously banged up, yet he played more minutes (22:57) than any other defenseman.
Berra went 3-1-1 during his five-game "conditioning" assignment with Lake Erie with a 2.57 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. He also scored a goal in his first game there, Jan. 17 against the Chicago Wolves. So, for now at least, Calvin Pickard is back with the Monsters.
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The Avalanche (20-18-10) are three points out of the second wild-card position in the Western Conference held by Calgary, which has played one fewer game and has a big lead (22-14) in non-shootout wins. Los Angeles is two points ahead of the Avalanche, also has played one fewer game and is ahead 19-14 in non-shootout wins.
"The guys looked sharp today," said Matt Duchene, who went to Cabo San Lucas during the break with his girlfriend. "Everyone is focused and ready to go again. We had a nice little hiatus, but during the season I'm pretty focused and intense even when I'm away. But it's good to unwind and relax and have some fun.
"If we win the next two games (including Friday at home against the Predators) we're forcing the other teams to win their games. I can pretty much guarantee if we win the next two games we'll be two points out at worst. Nashville has a great team and they're playing well."
It's been a disappointing season for Duchene, who has 13 goals and 16 assists in 48 games, but he's been playing better as of late with four goals and four assists in the past 11 games. The Avalanche went 6-3-2 in that stretch.
"I'm happy right now," he said. "Since the new year the numbers have been much better and I think my game, with the help from my coaches and teammates, is continuing to mature. At the end of the day you want to do what you can to help the team win, whether it's blocking shots or winning a faceoff or getting a goal or generating a goal. You have to be able to do all of those things. That's just what I'm looking at right now."
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The Avalanche are exciting about playing their first outdoor game, facing Detroit at Coors Field next season. The NHL announced the teams will play Feb. 27, 2016.
Duchene: "As a kid that grew up idolizing the Avs, that's a dream come true for me. That one's definitely marked on my calendar already."
Roy: "I'm sure the fans are thrilled about it and I'm sure it will be a very, very special day. Detroit is a team that draws very well in Denver. I'm sure it will be well received by everyone."
Would Roy be willing to play in an alumni game if one is part of the event? "We'll see how much they pay me to do that game," he said. "Just kidding."
Jarome Iginla: "It'd be kind of cool if the weather is 70 (which it was in Denver on Monday). It's a great experience. I've been a part of one (with Calgary against Montreal in 2011) and it's something that's unique. The fans seem to enjoy it. It's pretty memorable to be part of it."
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