Lightning’s Tyler Johnson leaves game after first period

Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson left after the first period of a game Friday at the Washington Capitals and did not return.

Johnson played only one first-period shift in his second game back from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for three games.

The team did not provide a reason for the departure of the former Spokane Chiefs player and Central Valley High graduate.

He has four goals and seven assists in 21 games this season.

Johnson was the Most Valuable Player during the 2008 Western Hockey League playoffs. The Chiefs swept Lethbridge to advance to the Memorial Cup, which Spokane also won.

Johnson signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Tampa Bay in March 2011.