The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for a pivotal Game 2 in their Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Dallas Stars, with an air of anticipation surrounding the potential return of team captain Gabriel Landeskog. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Landeskog is an option for tonight's game on April 21, 2025, depending on the health of Ross Colton, who left Game 1 early and did not return.
Colton, who played just 7:04 of ice time, managed to contribute one shot and three hits before exiting, leaving his status for Game 2 uncertain. "Colton is not feeling great," Bednar remarked, hinting that if Colton is unable to play, Landeskog would step into the lineup for the first time in three seasons.
Landeskog's journey back to the ice has been long and arduous. He has not played since the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, which had sidelined him for the entirety of the 2022-23 season. In May 2023, the Avalanche announced that he would need a cartilage transplant, causing him to miss the entire 2023-24 regular season as well.
However, the Avalanche captain has been making progress, recently appearing in two games with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, where he tallied one goal and one assist. His presence was felt during pregame warmups for Game 2, a significant milestone since it marked the first time he participated in warmups since the 2022 playoffs.
Despite the excitement surrounding Landeskog's potential return, he was ultimately listed as a scratch for Game 2, meaning fans and teammates alike will have to wait for his comeback. "This is a slow form of torture," Landeskog expressed last season regarding his absence from playoff action. "Win or lose, you want to be out there with the guys." His leadership and skill have been sorely missed on the ice, especially as the Avalanche aim to reclaim their status as championship contenders.
In Landeskog's absence, the Avalanche have relied heavily on their star players, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. MacKinnon, a perennial MVP candidate, has consistently delivered top-tier performances, while Makar is on the verge of winning his second Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman. However, even with this dynamic duo, the Avalanche have struggled to return to the Stanley Cup Finals, failing to make it back since their championship run in 2022.
The current playoff series against the Stars is crucial. The Avalanche are looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Colorado. The Stars, on the other hand, are eager to even the series and avoid falling behind. This matchup is shaping up to be a fierce battle, with both teams vying for an early advantage.
As the Avalanche continue to navigate the playoffs, the anticipation for Landeskog’s return remains palpable. His contributions during the 2021-22 season were instrumental in the team's success; he registered 30 goals and 59 points in the regular season and followed that with an impressive 11 goals and 22 points in 20 playoff games, helping the Avalanche secure their first Stanley Cup since 2001.
Throughout his career, Landeskog has proven to be a vital asset to the Avalanche. Drafted second overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, he has accumulated 248 goals and 571 points over 738 career games. In addition, he has contributed 27 goals and 67 points in 69 playoff contests, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
As the Avalanche prepare for Game 2, the focus remains on the immediate challenge at hand. With Landeskog's return uncertain, the team must rally around MacKinnon and Makar, who have been the backbone of the squad during this playoff run. The stakes are high, and every game is crucial as the Avalanche seek to reclaim their place among the NHL elite.
The drama surrounding Landeskog's status adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already intense playoff series. Fans are left wondering when they will see their captain back on the ice, and how his return will impact the team's quest for another championship. The Avalanche are determined to make a statement in this series, and with the right pieces in place, they could very well be on their way to another deep playoff run.
