Jonas Johansson to make Avs debut against Coyotes

It’s official: Jonas Johansson is in net for the Avs tonight against the Arizona Coyotes. He’ll make his debut for the team against third-string Coyotes goalie Adin Hill.

Before you automatically take the over (+105 at SuperBook Colorado at 5.5 goals) be careful, as teams usually play a lot more conservative hockey when they know the backups are in. Johansson’s last game was March 16, when he lost a 3-2 decision to the New Jersey Devils, stopping 24-of-27 shots. He is 0-5-1 on the season, all with Buffalo, with a 3.79 goals-against average and .884 saves percentage. His career NHL record is 1-8-2.

The Coyotes announced today that Antti Raanta is now hurt and can’t play, so Hill gets the call. He lost a game last month to the Avs in Arizona, which was the first victory in Hunter Miska’s NHL career. That was just a 3-2 game, however.

Veteran defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson also is newly injured and won’t play for Arizona.

The Avs did not have a morning skate in Arizona, so I don’t have any other lineup info. I haven’t been told of any new injuries for the Avs.