6:19 PM: Johnson has been suspended for two games, the Department of Player Safety announced (video link). He will be eligible to return on December 23rd against Arizona.
2:06 PM: The Department of Player Safety tweeted they will hold a hearing today for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson for his boarding of Tampa Bay’s Vladislav Namestnikov on Saturday. The incident happened late in the second period as Johnson cross-checked Namestnikov, who fell hard into the boards behind the Colorado net. The veteran defenseman received a slashing minor, a boarding major and a game misconduct at the time.
The Lightning have recently gone through this as the team just lost veteran forward Ryan Callahan after crashing into the boards against the Arizona Coyotes. He was placed on injured reserve and could be out for some time.
“Dangerous play,” said Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper. “You just hold your breath on those. Got a little fortunate with Vladdy, obviously didn’t get as fortunate with Callahan.”
Namestnikov returned in the final period and still managed to log 18:05 of ice time Saturday and seems to be OK. The 25-year-old is having a breakout year as he has 13 goals and 15 assists on the team’s top line alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.
Johnson refused to comment on the hearing, according to Denver Post’s Mike Chambers.