In a pivotal Game 4, the Colorado Avalanche topped the Dallas Stars 4-0, with captain Gabriel Landeskog making a notable return after nearly three years due to a knee injury. Scoring his first goal since June 2022, Landeskog’s performance, which included assists, helped tie the playoff series at 2-2. He expressed immense pride in scoring again, especially in front of home fans. Despite a reshuffled team, Landeskog’s presence remains vital, contributing both offensively and defensively. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised his resilience and importance to the team’s championship aspirations as they head into Game 5 in Dallas.
One of the most striking aspects of the Avalanche’s 4-0 triumph over the Dallas Stars in Saturday night’s Game 4 was the significant contribution of Colorado’s captain, Gabriel Landeskog.
Landeskog made his impactful return in Game 3 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series, coming back from nearly three seasons lost to a knee injury. He scored his first goal since June 20, 2022, in a performance that helped the Avalanche even the series at 2-2 at Denver’s Ball Arena.
Game 5 is planned for Monday in Dallas.
“It means a lot,” Landeskog expressed to the media following the victory. “I’ve imagined scoring again for so long. There were days I wondered if I would ever score again. It feels great.”
“It’s a close playoff series and a significant game at home. Scoring here in front of our fans means everything. Super exciting. Here’s hoping for more to come.”
A short-handed goal from Logan O’Connor in the first period and a late power-play goal from Nathan MacKinnon gave the Avalanche a 2-0 advantage as they headed into the second period.
This set the stage for Landeskog, who was positioned in the slot when Brock Nelson delivered a pass that the 32-year-old winger struck for a one-timer, extending the lead to 3-0 in the second.
Playing on the second line, Landeskog was immediately surrounded by teammates Samuel Girard, Valeri Nichushkin, Devon Toews, and Nelson, who joined the Avalanche at the NHL trade deadline.
As he returned to the bench, Landeskog received congratulations from the entire team, including a comforting hug from a smiling MacKinnon, who has been with the franchise alongside Landeskog for over a decade.
“I was just proud of him again,” stated Avalanche coach Jared Bednar about Landeskog after the game. “I’m proud of him whether he scores or not because I understand what he’s endured and the challenges he faced. His scoring takes it to another level. You know he wants to return and contribute like he used to, and he’s off to a great start.”
Landeskog’s goal marked another significant milestone in his long recovery from a chronically injured right knee that kept him out of 1,032 days of NHL action.
During his absence, the Avalanche maintained their championship window while restructuring their roster. Only nine players from their 2021-22 championship team remain. A roster reshuffle saw the re-signing of defenseman Erik Johnson, one of Landeskog’s closest friends, as they aim for a fourth title.
Despite the changes, doubts lingered regarding Landeskog’s potential return and performance once he did.
His first professional game in three years took place with the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate on April 11, where he logged 15 minutes and scored a goal along with an assist in his second and final game.
Much like his AHL performance, it took Landeskog just two games to score again and produce another two-point outing.
While Landeskog’s goal was the highlight of the night, his involvement in the creation of the Avalanche’s fourth goal demonstrated why he is vital to their championship aspirations.
Landeskog assisted Nelson, who then found Girard for a shot from the point that extended the Avs’ lead to 4-0 in the third period. After passing the puck, Landeskog positioned himself in front of the net to gain leverage over 6-foot-7 Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel, screening goaltender Casey DeSmith, who replaced Oettinger for the final period.
In his battle with Bichsel, Landeskog tested both his strength and his recovering knee, striving for position.
The result? Girard’s shot found its way through traffic, aided by Landeskog’s presence making it difficult for DeSmith to track the puck.
“He’s a big boy,” Landeskog said with a grin about Bichsel. “A strong, physical player and tough to compete against. I was trying to get in front of their goal, and he was trying to move me out. It was a solid duel.”