Colorado Avalanche: Saying Goodbye to the 2014-15 Season
Erik Johnson’s All Star Nomination
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson has been named to the NHL All Star team. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson was on his way to having a career year. Even in the midst of the team’s darkest moments — he didn’t play past January 21, and that was just when the Avs were starting to find their footing — Johnson was putting up great offensive numbers and remaining solid on defense. He had been working to solidify his play for so long.
And he was finally rewarded, after all his years of hard work and regular disappointments, with what he deserved — a nomination to the All Star Weekend. He had been the Avalanche’s best player to that point — head coach Patrick Roy said it. He was playing the big minutes against the big lines and performing beautifully.
The skating that is one aspect of his style that I especially admire even got some recognition as he was anointed “Condor” by color analyst Peter McNab in the game against the Ottawa Senators.
Johnson couldn’t attend the All Star Weekend because of his knee surgery, but the nomination is the thing. He was the best. He had a career year. And it was so good to watch.