The New Jersey Devils haven’t seen Marcus Johansson take the ice at the Prudential Center since January 22nd. That will end in game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs first round.
It’s been 83 days since Marcus Johansson put on a New Jersey Devils game jersey and took the ice for an NHL game. Just under three months ago, Brad Marchand, the NHL’s certified bully, elbowed Johansson in the head on purpose, forcing him out of the lineup with his second concussion.
Tonight, that changes.
#NJDevils: OFFICIAL: Marcus Johansson is in tonight. #NowWeRise pic.twitter.com/XBccRZIsc6
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 16, 2018
Johansson brings something to the lineup that’s been missing against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a legit secondary scoring threat. While the Lightning’s second line has been their driving force, the Devils second line has been inconsistent at best.
Tonight, Johansson will play on the second line with Pavel Zacha and Patrick Maroon. Those two are the perfect combination for him, as one brings speed, the other brings puck handling and passing. That means Johansson just needs to get in position and wait for the perfect pass.
Johansson is clearly excited to get back into the lineup. He couldn’t stop talking about how excited he was to be back.
"It’s a big relief. I’m excited and it’s been frustrating sitting on the sidelines watching. I’m just happy to be ready to go."
Johansson has been plagued by head injuries all season long, missing a month in November with his first concussion. He’s only played 29 games in his first season in New Jersey after he was traded by the Washington Capitals in the offseason. He scored 14 points in those 29 games. Hopefully, he saved some goals for when it matters.
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Johansson is one of the few postseason veterans in the New Jersey lineup. This will be the seventh straight postseason that he takes part in. He spent the past six seasons with the Capitals, so he understands the pressure of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That experience can be crucial with the Devils backs against the wall tonight.
Johansson can’t afford to play scared tonight. He has to keep himself healthy, but also play with drive. Luckily, he has Maroon on his line who can protect him. He doesn’t need to get involved in too many scrums. He just has to get open in the offensive zones.
It’s great to see Johansson finally back after a scary injury. Now, it’s time for him to help this team win when they need it the most.