Tyler Johnson out of All-Star Game with injury; won't face suspension
Tyler Johnson made it to All-Star Weekend, but he was banged up. A lower-body injury lingered from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s last game before the break on against Vancouver. Initially, he was ruled out for the Skills Competition, with hopes he could suit up for the game on Sunday.
But Johnson won’t be repping Team Toews as he was ruled out of the All-Star Game. But if healthy by Tuesday the Lightning forward won’t have to miss the team’s first game after the break, a rule put in place to stop players from pulling out.
Tyler Johnson is out for Sunday's game. Lower body. But eligible to play for Tampa (if healthy) first game back because he came here.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 25, 2015
The rule is if you physically show up for all star weekend and pull out there's no suspension
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 25, 2015
This is like the Sidney Crosby situation from the 2009 All-Star Game in Montreal. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain had a knee injury and was ruled out of the game that year. He showed up at Bell Centre and walked out during introductions to wave to the crowd and avoided a suspension by the league.
Nick Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk, however, didn't show and weren't so lucky.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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