Avs D Johnson sidelined with head injury
Defenseman Erik Johnson is the latest casualty in an avalanche of injuries that have buried Colorado during the shortened NHL season.
Johnson is out indefinitely with a head injury that occurred during Monday night's overtime loss to Phoenix. He took a hard check from the Coyotes' Martin Hanzal and left the game.
Add Johnson's name to a list that includes captain Gabriel Landeskog (head), defenseman Ryan Wilson (ankle) and forward Steve Downie (knee). Forward Ryan O'Reilly hasn't played this season because of a contract dispute.
Forward John Mitchell (flu) and defenseman Matt Hunwick (torso) are expected to return Thursday for a game at Minnesota.
In 11 games this season, Johnson has one assist while averaging more than 20 minutes for the Avalanche (4-6-1), who have lost three straight games.
