Erik Johnson didn't return to Wednesday's game after the first intermission because he was dealing with back spasms. The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate, as Johnson was on a four-game point streak going into Wednesday's contest. Colorado won't play on Thursday, but they have three games in four days starting on Friday, so Johnson might end up missing a decent chunk of playing time even if his injury turns out to be relatively minor.

With an assist on Sunday, Erik Johnson has extended his point streak to four games. That matches his season-high, set from Dec. 13 through Dec. 19. Johnson should surpass the 30-point mark for the third time in four seasons and his name is worth keeping in the back of your mind in 2012-13 as a potential breakout player.

Erik Johnson scored a goal in a 3-1 loss Wednesday. Milan Hejduk and David Jones assisted on the Avalanche's lone goal. Ryan O'Reilly finished the game with a minus-three rating, bringing him down to minus-five in 57 games this season.

Erik Johnson notched just his second goal of the year in the Colorado Avalanche's 3-2 overtime setback to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. Johnson recorded a career-high 10 goals in 2009-10, but hasn't come close in any season since. His 20 points put him on pace for just under 30. Shane O'Brien also had his second goal of the season. David Van Der Gulik, Ryan O'Reilly and Gabiel Landeskog had the assists.

Erik Johnson returned to action on Thursday January 12.

Erik Johnson (hand) took part in Wednesday's practice. Johnson should be considered questionable for Thursday's game. He has a goal and 16 points in 38 games this season.

A hand injury sustained in Saturday's game at St. Louis will keep Colorado's Erik Johnson out of tonight's match against visiting Nashville. Depth could be a problem against the Preds, though coach Joe Sacco has eight defensemen at his disposal. Still, Johnson joins Shane O'Brien (knee) in the press box tonight. Matt Hunwick will step in for Johnson with Ryan Wilson, just getting back into form after a concussion, suiting up in O'Brien's absence. Johnson is 1-15-16 and minus-9 in 38 games.

Erik Johnson (hand) didn't participate in Monday's practice. Johnson suffered the injury in the first period of Saturday's game. Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said Johnson is "day-to-day," so consider him questionable for Tuesday's contest.

Erik Johnson suffered a hand injury in the first period and did not return. The Avs will update the injury on Sunday but do not believe the injury was serious as they were hoping he could return to the game. Johnson is not having a good season with only one goal and 16 points to go with a minus-nine rating and only 13 penalty minutes but he was coming off his best fantasy game of the season Thursday with two assists and a plus-three rating.

Erik Johnson notched the first goal of the season -- a go-ahead tally -- in the Colorado Avalanche's 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. The 23-year-old is known for his offense ... but couldn't buy a goal for 27 games this season, until Saturday. His slapshot goal from the right point with loads of traffic in front came in the second period. Johnson's game has come alive in the past three nights -- with four points, as he also added an assist on Cody McLeod's marker in the first period. In addition to his goal, McLeod also had a fighting major. Milan Hejduk and Gabriel Landeskog each had assists.