1,000 NHL Games for Johansson

Marcus Johansson waves to the fans during Sunday night's game against Calgary as he's recognized for playing 1,000 NHL games.

Throughout some early season struggles as a team, one of the most productive players for the Minnesota Wild was also one of the most veteran players on the roster. Winger Marcus Johansson entered Sunday ranked third on the team in goals and scoring with his six tallies and 14 points. 

He added his ninth assist of the season as a cherry on top to an already special evening against the visiting Calgary Flames: His 1,000th career game playing in the NHL. 

“It’s fun, obviously,” Johansson said after the game. “But what makes it better is winning. That’s always No. 1. And you can enjoy it a little bit more, and everyone’s happy and smiling. That’s the main thing. That’s what it’s all about.” 

Johansson helped the Wild break up a scoreless stalemate later in the second period when his feed from along the sideboards to Matt Boldy in the slot gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead. The night ended with a 2-0 Wild victory over the Flames after an empty-net goal by Kirill Kaprizov and a career-high 36-save shutout for young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. 

Johansson was recognized for his milestone game at the first TV timeout on the videoboard and by the 17,090 announced crowd at Grand Casino Arena. He became the 20th Swedish player to reach 1,000 NHL games played, the 412th player overall and the 11th player to skate in such a milestone game while wearing a Wild sweater. 

He’s also playing consistently well this season. His assist Sunday extended his point streak to nine games. Per NHL Stats, he’s only the second player in NHL history to enter his 1,000th game with an active point streak of eight games or longer; Bobby Hull had a 16-game streak when he reached the milestone on Jan. 15, 1972. 

Four Wild players have now recorded a point while skating in game No. 1,000 of their career: Mikko Koivu on Dec. 1, 2019, Ryan Suter on Oct. 25, 2018, Matt Cullen on Jan. 10, 2012 and Johansson. 

This current Wild team is lucky to have Johansson, his linemate Boldy said postgame. 

“He’s such a talented player,” Boldy said. “There’s a reason he’s played so many games. 

“He’s so smart, such a good skater. … When he has the puck, that’s when stuff happens. Even being his linemate, you get him the puck and get open. That’s the game plan.” 

That seemed to work well on Boldy’s goal Sunday. Johansson said he saw they were going to have an odd-man advantage on the play, and he knew Boldy was going to be in the middle of the ice. 

Wild coach John Hynes talked about Johansson’s consistency and ability to create situations and play in all situations on the ice. 

“It was nice to see him and his two girls before the game read the lineup for him,” Hynes said. “So, special night for him. Great to see him just keep being reliable and consistent in his game and being an effective guy for us.” 

Johansson’s two daughters, ages 5 and 9, were in the Wild dressing room for the pregame lineup-card reading. They were part of a large cheering section in the house supporting Johansson for the game. His parents, brother and his children, plus many other friends were in attendance. Celebrating the milestone is special for Johansson. 

“It feels like a long time, but also it’s flown by at the same time,” Johansson said. “It’s kind of weird. But very grateful for it and fun to share with the guys in here.” 

Next up for the Wild is hosting the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night at Grand Casino Arena. But immediately on the agenda for Johansson once he headed home to a full house after Sunday’s victory? A cold one. And that doesn’t mean enjoying the weather. 
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“Go home and have a beer and enjoy it,” Johansson said.