PHILADELPHIA – Saturday night’s game was officially the 1,000th of Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson’s career but he chose to hold off one more match until Monday to really celebrate the big milestone.
That’s because Monday’s opponent is the Colorado Avalanche, a team Johnson played 12-plus seasons for, including a championship in the 2021-22 Stanley Cup.
It promises to be an extra special moment for the 36-year-old Bloomington, Minn. native.
Overall, the three-day stretch had to be one of the highlights of Johnson’s career.
After Saturday morning’s skate at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J., the team did its usual on-ice stretch which includes a circle of players with a guest of honor in the middle. Johnson was that player on Saturday and he heard the loud cheers.
“I think I have tinnitus, it was so loud,” Johnson said with a smile. “It was cool, a special group of guys here. A cool milestone to share with these guys on the team.”
Johnson came over to the Flyers at the trade deadline last March and quickly learned this was a tight group which worked well together. That was one of the seasons he wanted to reach the four-digit plateau in Philadelphia.
“Just coming to the rink, I think it’s a group that cares about each other,” Johnson said. “You can’t be a robot all year either. You have to let your hair down sometime and have some fun. I think we do that as a group, we enjoy that.”
Having the Avalanche as Monday’s opponent adds a little more to the 1,000th achievement. Johnson’s family will be in attendance, too.
“It’s super special how it all lined up,” said Johnson, who was getting set to play in his 13th game out of a possible 18 on Saturday. “I didn’t know how much I would play at the start of the season. So to get in some games here is awesome. Help the team any way I can. It’s crazy how the schedule fell the way it did. All the Colorado fans will be excited. It should be a special night.”
Perhaps having Colorado in town is a bit more noteworthy. Johnson has deep connections there and that’s where he maintains his offseason home.
“I think that will be pretty special just to be a part of it with those guys (Avalanche players),” Johnson said. “It was my home for a long time, still my home in the offseason. To have the ceremony that night will be special. Have those guys enjoy it, too. Chance to thank the fans there and the ones here in Philly, too. It means a lot to me to say thank you.”
Coach John Tortorella can’t say enough good things about Johnson. It’s almost like having another assistant coach around. As a defenseman, they don’t come much smarter.
“He’s one of the best ones I’ve seen,” Tortorella said. “I’ve watched his interactions with his teammates. It’s important, especially with what we’re trying to do here as far as building.
“He understands his role with us this year. He’s also taken responsibility, not just with what’s on the ice but I think even more off the ice as you start the season with some struggles.”
>Couturier back
After sitting out one game, Sean Couturier was back in action on Saturday night. Morgan Frost returned to the bench.
Couturier liked the Flyers hung in there at Ottawa after on Thursday falling behind by a 4-2 count in the third period before rallying for a 5-4 shootout win.
“I think we all know we didn’t play our best game but we found a way to win,” the captain said. “That’s all that matters. What I liked is we stuck together. Through the ugly, guys were still blocking shots, making sure to find a way to keep the puck out of our net. We capitalized on our chances when we needed to and it made a big difference.”
>Praise for Fedotov
Having played a big role in the win at Ottawa, Ivan Fedotov got another shot in goal on Saturday night.
The Flyers have been getting some good goaltending of late and that’s helped their recent run of success.
“Goaltenders are the heartbeat,” Tortorella said. “When they’re playing lousy, a team is miniature. When they’re letting in goals, a team is on its heels. When they present themselves as confident the way he has the past couple games, it certainly affects what’s going on in front of him, how they feel, how they can play.
“The goaltender is really the mindset of your team. How you’re approaching that game. These last two games Ivan’s played really well where I didn’t think he did in the other games.”
Couturier appreciates the way Fedotov has hung in there.
It’s nice to see him have some success,” Couturier said. “Kind of stepped up and bounced back from the start of the year. He’s been put a top spot, really, when there are three goalies and you don’t know if you’re backing up, playing. What I like is he’s kept a good attitude and went along with his business. When his name was called, he was ready. That’s a credit to him for always being ready. Hopefully he can keep building on these last two games.”
