Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson suspended 2 games

December 18, 2017

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson, left, checks Tampa Bay Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov, of Russia, as he drives to the net with the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

NEW YORK (AP) — Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson was suspended for two games without pay by the NHL on Sunday for boarding Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov.

Johnson was assessed a minor penalty for slashing and a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding in the second period of Colorado’s 6-5 home loss Saturday night.

The suspension will cost Johnson $64,516.