Avs D Johnson suspended 2 games for slash

New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The National Hockey League issued a two- game suspension to Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson on Tuesday.

Johnson was given a minor penalty for delivering a clear two-handed slash to the left hand of Islanders forward Frans Nielsen during the third period of a 5-2 Avs victory at Uniondale on Saturday night.

He will miss Colorado's first two games after the Olympic break, Feb. 26 against Los Angeles and Feb. 28 against Phoenix.

Johnson will also forfeit $38,461.54 in salary, which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Nielsen reportedly suffered a broken hand as a result, and may miss time once the NHL resumes play after the Sochi games.