Erik Johnson thought he had done everything he needed to do to make the U.S. Olympic team. So when his name was not called Wednesday by the selection committee, it was not a fun moment.

“I didn’t expect to make it at the beginning of the year. But how well I’ve played these last three months, I was back in the mix. So that’s probably the hardest part, knowing that I couldn’t have done any more as far as my play to make it. You know, I played fantastic these first three months, so it’s disappointing, but my focus is on this team now,” Johnson said Thursday morning, as the Avalanche prepared to host the Philadelphia Flyers later. “I’ll use that two-week break to recharge and get ready for the playoffs.”

Johnson played on the 2010 U.S. team that won a silver medal in Vancouver, British Columbia, and entered Thursday’s game at plus-10 with decent offensive numbers for the Avs. In the end, however, the committee went with others — including former Av Kevin Shattenkirk, who was part of the deal that brought Johnson to Colorado in 2011.

Johnson said he was called by Brian Burke, part of the U.S. management group, after the selections were made.

“At the same time, I can’t look at anyone on that team and say they didn’t deserve to be there, because they’re all good players,” Johnson said.

Avs center Paul Stastny, who was selected by Team USA, said he was “excited” to go to Sochi.

“We’ll be going there with just one goal in mind, to come back with the gold,” Stastny said.

The Avs will play their third game of a current seven-game homestand against a Flyers team that has won four straight. Semyon Varlamov will oppose Steve Mason in net.

Adrian Dater: adater@denverpost.com or twitter.com/adater