Eurolanche

E.Johnson: We went to Casino to relax

Erik Johnson is representing team USA on WC 2013. Elite Colorado defender is a key player in Sacco´s team in Helsinki. USA played so far a number of good games and the biggest win was against Finland. “Atmosphere in Hartwall Arena was fantastic”, claimed Johnson. “It is just like in NHL play-off games. It was a great experience to play in front of this great crowd”, he added.

Colorado´s defender didn’t forget to praise only 19-year old goalie John Gibson, who conceded only one goal from Finland and mainly thanks to him, USA won this game 4:1. “He showed some great saves today. He has got a lot of international experience as he played on Youth WC-18 and WC-20.”

USA played two tough games in a row. First Sacco´s team faced Russia and the next day already, they played against Finland. Game against Russia was one of the best games so far on this World Championship. Deciding goals were scored in the 3^rd period, when Medvedev and Radulov made successful shots on goal. Clash against Finland was much tougher for Johnson though. “Russia and Finland are both great teams. Russian´s game style is not tough. They are trying to be whole time on the puck. They have very skilled players with great technique and puck control. Fins play a bit more similar style like it is played in North America. They fight for every puck, trying to be very fast in every corner. I am glad we were able to beat them”.

In the game against Russia, also other players from Colorado were shining. In the Russian goal was Ilya Bryzgalov, so Varly was sitting on the bench only. Players from Denver were visible on the score sheets too as Paul Stastny scored two goals and Matt Hunwick scored one. Aaron Palushaj added one assist on goal (Hunwick´s goal).

In the past season 2012/13, Erik Johnson didn´t score any goal in the NHL. In 30 games he added only 4 assists. That is not a good record for offensive defender. But already in the first game here in Helsinki, he scored two goals! So is the sniper reborn? Johnson himself was very disappointed after past season as he knows he should added more than 4 points. “For the first time in my NHL career, I didn’t score a single goal in whole season. I hope to improve in this area and I hope that this WC will help me in that too”.

Some players also brought their relatives and friends to support them. Nobody came to support Eric however, so most of his time he spends at the hotel. Couple of times they went for a walk around Helsinki and also went to local casino, where they played Blackjack. “We went there to relax a bit as we definitely needed it” Johnson admitted for server championat.com. “Currently all players got used to the different time zones, so we don’t have to be stuck at the hotel all the time”.

During Youth World Championship (U-20), Eric made a bet with Gabriel Landeskog. USA won the gold medal and Landeskog had to take a picture in USA jersey. Johnson still finds this moment hilarious and also for that reason, he would like to face Sweden in semifinal. “It would be a great clash for both us. And of course, USA would win this game” (Johnson commented with smile on his face).

Eurolanche Note: Slovakia beats USA after this visit 4-1.

Source of all photos: iihf.com

Source of the story: championat.com