“Make the most of this opportunity” – Erik Johnson hopeful to clinch maiden Stanley Cup with Avalanche


“Make the most of this opportunity” – Erik Johnson hopeful to clinch maiden Stanley Cup with Avalanche

Erik Johnson

American ice hockey defenceman Erik Johnson was a rookie with the St. Louis Blues in 2007-08 when his roommate Dan Hinote told him how he’d won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001.

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The Avalanche have finally reached the ultimate game of the tournament for the first time since 2001. They are now scheduled to lock horns with the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Game 1 will be held at Ball Arena on Wednesday. 

The Minnesota native Johnson, who arrived from the Blues via trade in February 2011, is in the Cup Final for the first time in his 14-season NHL career. Notably, the 34-year-old defenseman is the longest-serving member of the Avalanche.

“He never made it back, so I’m just trying to let these young guys know that the time is now,” Johnson said, as quoted by NHL.com. “You’ve got to soak this opportunity up and make the most of it.”

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“Am grateful and lucky to play Stanley Cup Final”

Erik Johnson
Erik Johnson

Johnson has featured in 654 regular-season and 42 playoff games for the Avs. He ranks first in blocked shots in the regular season (1,259) and playoffs (80) in team history; third in hits in the regular season (1,148), and fourth in the playoffs (111).

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He added: “It’s really hard to get here. Not everyone gets the chance to play for the Stanley Cup, so from that standpoint, I’m just grateful and lucky to be here. It takes a lot of work, a lot of timing and a lot of good luck to get here.

“I’ve had a lot of years here, some good, some bad, a lot of injuries. You know, when you go through some downs, you’re never sure what light is going to be at the end of the tunnel.

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“Fortunately for me, I’ve been able to stick it through and see this team from the worst to the best and now hopefully end it with the Stanley Cup.”

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