NEWARK, N.J. — Ryan Johansen freed his mind with a trip to the Rocky Mountains.

“Over the years, I’ve tried to switch up where I go to see new things and experience new things,” Johansen told The Denver Gazette about his NHL All-Star break. “I want to get to know (Colorado) and some of the places. I’ve known in the past how beautiful it is. My fiancé and I were up in the mountains … and trying some new spots. We had an absolute blast. It was great.”

Relaxation is over. The Avalanche forward is under the microscope.

“I’d like to see the offense come a little bit,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “It’s going to take a little hunger.”

Johansen stepped back into his role at second-line center to begin a six-game road swing out of the break. He was the presumptive 2C to begin the season but saw diminished ice time with rotating wingers. Johansen dropped into the bottom six with diminished ice time.

He’s scored one goal over the past 20 games.

The Avalanche’s solution — minus better replacement options — is pairing Johansen with forwards Artturi Lehkonen and Zach Parise.

“Finding him some regular linemates that he can stick with, guys like Zach and Lehky, can help,” Bednar said. “I do think that (Johansen) brings some specific talents that can help those two guys, and vice versa. They’re both hard forechecking guys. They should be able to win some puck battles. They’re competitive on pucks. They can play a responsible defensive game as well as contribute on the offensive side of it.”

Johansen is still finding his way since the break. He recorded five combined shots on goal in losses to the Rangers and Devils.

“It’s the second half, right? It’s always after a bye week where things ramp up and games get more intense,” Johansen said Monday before the Rangers game. “It’s all about getting ready for the playoffs now and setting ourselves up in a great spot. With our team doing that, as individuals, we want to be at the top of our game. I’m going to be looking to do that here in these last couple of months.”

Wood homecoming

Miles Wood played the last seven NHL seasons with the Devils before signing a long-term contract with the Avalanche.

New Jersey played a brief tribute video Tuesday night at the Prudential Center with Wood highlights before a standing ovation from Devils fans. He waved to the crowd.

“The build-up was more weird for me than the actual game,” Wood said. “But once the puck dropped, it was just another game. They did a fantastic job with the little tribute there. I spent a lot of time here and have great things to say about this team and what we tried to accomplish over the seven years.”

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) and defenseman Adam Fox (23) tend the net against Colorado Avalanche center Ryan Johansen (12) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Mary Altaffer