Erik Johnson out 6 weeks, Semyon Varlamov done for the season

Erik Johnson

Colorado’s top defenseman Erik Johnson fractured his patella (also known as his kneecap) after crashing into the end boards in the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He was not able to play against Chicago citing a lower-body injury that would keep him out day to day.

“Johnson went into the end boards last game halfway through, kept him out of practice yesterday because he was sore,” said Bednar after the win over the Blackhawks. “He tried it tonight and he was sore again, so he has a lower-body injury and he is day-to-day.” (via NHL.com)

After consulting with the doctors, Johnson will be out six weeks to heal the fracture in his knee.

Six weeks is the rest of the NHL’s regular season, plus the first two rounds of the playoffs, most likely. Johnson might be able to return earlier or it might take him longer, either way he is out until the second round of the playoffs, should the Avalanche make it that far.

Semyon Varlamov

The Avalanche starting netminder was forced to leave Friday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks after being run into by Tomas Jurco on a breakaway. Jonathan Bernier came into the game and help Varly record the first ever Avalanche/Nordiques team shutout.

Coach Bednar did not have an update during the post-game press conference but it was announced today that Varlamov is done for the season with a lower-body injury.

We don’t have much more information other than that, but with Bernier back from his hand injury, the Avs are not completely lost behind the net. Bernier has a .913 save percentage this season including a stretch in January where he was unbeatable.

Andrew Hammond, who was acquired in the Matt Duchene trade, will serve as the backup.