The Colorado Avalanche will take on the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of their epic first-round matchup in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday night.
This is Avalanche Territory.
— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 22, 2025
Let's make it known.
Game Three ➡️🎟️ https://t.co/vZegLdtfYn pic.twitter.com/BdHBtEaQgz
The series is tied at 1-1 after the Stars pulled off an exciting 4-3 overtime win on Monday night, courtesy of Colin Blackwell’s game-winner.
Both clubs will be coming out of the gate flying as the all-crucial 2-1 series lead is at stake.
Thus far, the Avalanche have managed to contain the Stars’ best players, forcing their depth forwards to step up. In Game 2, that’s precisely what Blackwell did. It was a fortuitous play in a game that could have gone either way.
In Game 2, it was Blackwell’s turn to be the hero.
That’s in the past now, as the attention turns toward winning Game 3. The Avalanche will likely stick to the same lineup as the first two games.
Miles Wood should be in the lineup in place of Ross Colton, as there is no indication that Colton will be ready for Game 3.
As for MacKenzie Blackwood, he’s been brilliant so far against a Dallas team that many have picked to go the distance in the Western Conference. The four goals surrendered in Game 2 do not diminish Blackwood’s performance as he was spot on throughout the game.
Fans should expect another tight-checking affair on Wednesday night, even if the game ends up in another 4-3 or even 5-4 affair.
Gabriel Landeskog could replace Colton for Game 3
One of the options on the table for the Colorado Avalanche is captain Gabe Landeskog. Landeskog played a rehab stint with the Colorado Eagles last week and seems poised to hit the ice at any point this postseason.
Colton’s injury could have opened the door for the Avalanche to bring Landeskog into the fold. However, the Avalanche might be wary of deploying Landeskog in such an intense series. Nevertheless, there will never be a perfect time for the Avs to bring Landeskog back into the fold.
So, fans could expect to see Landeskog at any point in this series. Game 3 at home would be an ideal setting as the hometown crowd would love nothing more than to welcome their captain back on the ice.
Landeskog’s return would also provide a much-needed jolt to the team for such a crucial matchup. If there was a movie-script scenario for Landeskog to return, Game 3 would be it.