One of the advantages of being tagged with a string of injuries is the opportunity it opens up for secondary players.

For the past week, the Coyotes have been short-handed in the areas that they can least afford a setback — goaltending and scoring.

Wing Nick Johnson, who didn't even make the opening-night roster, grabbed hold of the extra minutes doled his way with a few other forwards unable to play by scoring a goal in consecutive games against Nashville and Edmonton.

Now that the Coyotes are starting to return to full strength, Johnson could easily revert back to a supporting-cast role. Instead, he continues to produce vital goals, and his third goal of the season, along with goalie Mike Smith's first shutout of the season, helped the Coyotes to a 2-0 win against the Dallas Stars in front of 12,151 on Saturday at Jobing.com Arena.

"That's kind of how it's been for me in my career," Johnson said. "Injuries, you get a break. I played in the league all year last year so I'm not scared to be here, just happy to get in there and get the bounces right now. Hopefully, they'll continue."