Erik Johnson joins group of players injured for All-Star Game

Dear all players who do not want to come to Columbus for the All-Star Game ... we are having a great time. Your loss.

Erik Johnson became yet another who pulled out with an injury -- this one of the lower body variety according to the Colorado Avalanche's Twitter handle. No timetable was given on his return.

From the Denver Post on Thursday morning:

I’m not giving away sensitive state secrets here, because it’s apparent that Erik Johnson is banged up. He rarely has been practicing and one reason we’re weren’t able to speculate that this might be coming was that the Wednesday morning skate was optional, with only 13 skaters out there with backup goalie Calvin Pickard.

The big goal of an NHL player is not for 'Team Foligno' to defeat 'Team Toews' in an epic blood bath. When Erik Johnson scored a goal in his driveway growing up, it probably wasn't in a black or white and neon jersey. But in one day, the All-Star Game lost him, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Bobrovsky. Geez.

For those who wanted P.K. Subban in the All-Star Game ... if he hasn't reached a beach somewhere, here is the NHL's opportunity correct the 'snub.' And if Subban has turned off his cell phone. Oh well.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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