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Erik Johnson flattened by Martin Hanzal elbow in Avalanche win (Video)

In overtime between the Colorado Avalanche and the Arizona Coyotes, defenseman Erik Johnson was given a little drop pass from Danny Briere. He shoveled a quick shot on Mike Smith, who made the save.

And then he was freight-trained by Martin Hanzal.

The collision knocked Johnson to the ice where he was face-down before being helped off to the back.There was no penalty on the play.

The Avs would win the game on a Briere overtime goal. Coach Patrick Roy said Johnson was feeling good after the game, which is good news for all parties.

As far as the hit goes, it’s a tough one to assign blame.

Johnson was crouched down when he took the shot; Hanzal stands at 6-foot-6, so he was lined up for a hit to the head. He definitely delivers a check, not really attempting to avoid Johnson; but Johnson’s eligible to be hit there, according to previous NHL rulings.

So despite Hanzel having two supplemental discipline punishments last season -- a fine and a suspension -- he could be OK on this one.