Well, two nights ago wasn’t the night for the Colorado Avalanche nor Gabriel Landeskog’s official return to the lineup. Despite being activated, the captain was listed as inactive for the second game of the postseason series against the Dallas Stars. Unfortunately, I didn’t wait for the official word, and the game of “will he or won’t he” continued up until puck drop.
Then, we got news that it was possible that Landeskog could sit out the first two playoff games. That happened.
On Wednesday morning, we got better news.
Appearing on his weekly radio spot on 92.5 FM Altitude, head coach Jared Bednar revealed that there’s “a good chance Gabe Landeskog plays tonight.”
“There’s a good chance Gabe Landeskog is gonna play tonight”
— 92.5 FM - Denver's Altitude Sports Radio (@AltitudeSR) April 23, 2025
- Coach Jared Bednar breaks the news on Altitude 92.5 FM with Moser, Lombardi and Kane#GoAvsGo #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/gKAuGpMse9
Okay, I’ll admit, a “good chance” sounds a whole lot better than what Bednar provided in the past—which was nothing. Ultimately, I suppose he wanted to try to gain some sort of advantage against Dallas for Game 2, but sadly, in the end, the Avalanche lost in heartbreaking fashion, in overtime.
With Landeskog in the lineup, I wonder how Bednar will put the lines out. Could the very first shift have Landeskog out there just for some sort of ceremonial moment? I mean, knowing the way the Avalanche act around media, it’s sort of difficult to see that happen, no matter how cool it would be. I would actually really love to see a video created that the team was waiting to be played once he officially hits the ice. In my mind, it would be something along the lines of players across the league welcoming him back.
Though it’s been over 1,000 days since Landeskog played in an NHL game, it’s hard not to get my hopes up that he’ll look outstanding. He played in two games with the Colorado Eagles recently as part of his recovery and though the game is a lot slower down in the AHL, it was a breath of fresh air to see him laying down hits, shooting the puck, and scoring a goal.
Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if his role was limited because of the magnitude of a playoff game. It’s not the best idea to ask Landeskog to do too much in his first game back. However, his appearance in the lineup would have to mean that someone else would be taken out of the lineup today, and though not every player has been perfect by any means this postseason, it’s a risk in a way. What if he doesn’t look as sharp?
The good thing is that the series is tied and it’s not an elimination game. So, if you’re going to put Landeskog in the lineup, tonight’s the night. The risk is there, but it is a risk worth taking.