Imagine the reaction a soccer player would have after being slashed in the face with an ice skate. He would probably roll around on the ground failing his arms, crying and demanding it to be a penalty (please avoid thinking about why there was an ice sake involved in this scenario). However, in classic hockey fashion, Eric Johnson was kicked in the face by Rick Nash’s skate on Thursday night, and did he create a scene? Heck no. In fact if you hadn’t seen the reply, you might have missed it. He was down on the ice for a hot second, no argument to the officials as it clearly was an accident, went to the locker room and was back on the ice in three minute, barely missing a shift. Just one of the innumerable reasons why hockey is king. Even the New Yorkers in attendance at the game gasped when they saw the replay, and you know it was a nasty hit when even the Ranger fans are shocked.
The Avs closed out their East Coast trip with a 2-1 win at MSG, after defeating the Devils 2-1 on Tuesday night. The Avs played consistent and smart hockey through the last six periods, Berra and Varly came up with big saves when they needed to, and the Avs walked away victorious in back to back one goal wins. While I always love a blow out win, the Avs have not been able to capitalize on one goal games, and as it was one of the deciding factors of the Avs missing the playoffs last year. Winning one-goal games is paramount.
Up next: the Minnesota Wild. We will play them in back to back games, not only will it be a fight for pride after what befell us in opening night, but also crucial divisional points.
Click here see EJ's skate to the face video:
