Erik Johnson played his part in delivering the Colorado Avalanche a first-round upset of the Calgary Flames, and a date with the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference semifinals.

The 31-year-old Minnesota native, who had 143 shot blocks in the 2018-19 regular season, has stepped it up in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, stepping in front of 15 shots and chipping in with one goal and an assist.

Get to know more about the six-foot-four, 225-pound blueliner in this edition of NHLPA.com’s My Top 5.

5 fast facts on Erik Johnson

1. We day

Johnson, who turned 31 on March 21, shares a birthday with Tampa Bay forward Ryan Callahan and former NHL blueliner Al Iafrate. Soccer legend Ronaldinho and actors Gary Oldman and Matthew Broderick were also born on March 21.

2. It’s a first!

When the St. Louis Blues selected Johnson with the first overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, Johnson became the first American-born blueliner selected first directly from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. 

3. Good as gold  

Johnson recorded 10 points in six games the 2006 World Under-18 championships to help the U.S. win the gold medal. He was chosen as the Bob Johnson Award winner as the Best American player in international competition.

4. Schooling the opposition    

In 2003-04, Johnson played 31 games for the Academy of Holy Angels in Minnesota. He recorded 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists), helping the team go 25-5-1 while winning the Conference Championship.

5. Rocket Man

“For me growing up, I was a big Pavel Bure fan,” said Johnson in his NHLPA.com In-Studio interview. “I loved watching him play. Vancouver was my favourite team growing up. Watching them in the 1994 (Stanley Cup) Finals against New York (Rangers) is a memory I have.”