University of Minnesota Athletics
Johnson Skates in 500th NHL Game
2/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
DENVER (GopherSports.com) -- Gopher Hockey alum Erik Johnson skated in his 500th career NHL game last night, tallying an assist for the Colorado Avalanche in a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
In 500 regular-season NHL games, the defenseman has totaled 211 career points (55 goals, 156 assists). He added a goal and an assist in seven playoff games with Colorado in 2014. In 44 games this season, Johnson has 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) for the Avalanche.
The Bloomington, Minn., native was the first overall selection by the St. Louis Blues at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected to the 2015 NHL All-Star Game but did not attend due to an injury.
Johnson was an All-WCHA Rookie Team honoree for the Gophers during the 2006-07, scoring 24 points (four goals, 20 assists) in 41 games as the Gophers won the MacNaughton Cup and Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA regular-season and Final Five champions.
Noteworthy
*12 Gopher Hockey alums were in NHL action last night while seven tallied points for their teams.
*Nick Bjugstad had a pair of assists in a 5-2 Florida Panthers win over the Washington Capitals.
*Former Gophers Nick Leddy and Kyle Okposo both tallied an assist in a 5-3 win for the New York Islanders over the Minnesota Wild.
*Phil Kessel had an assist in a 6-5 Pittsburgh Penguins win over the Ottawa Senators.
*Paul Martin had one assist in a 3-2 San Jose Sharks loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
*Alex Goligoski had an assist in a 5-3 Dallas Stars win over the Winnipeg Jets.
-Pride On Ice-
