CHICAGO — Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.
"I'm nervous before every game, honestly, and I think if you're not nervous, you shouldn't be playing," Johnson said after the Avs defeated the Red Wings 5-1 at the Pepsi Center. "Getting those first couple hits out of the way early definitely helped. It was easy from there, after I got a couple licks in to settle down and get my feet under me.