Landeskog makes triumphant return for Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 against Stars

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made a triumphant return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup in Game 3 against the Dallas Stars.

Landeskog, who last played an NHL game more than 1,000 days ago, hit the ice on Wednesday night at Ball Arena. Landeskog was part of the starting lineup, suiting up alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas on the forward line.

Here’s a look at the emotional intro:

Landeskog looked like he hadn’t missed a game, hitting the ice at full speed. While he would eventually play regular shifts on the third line, it’s unlikely he’ll be there for very long. A Game 3 victory would be the only thing that could make this emotional night even better.

Landeskog wastes no time in making presence felt for Colorado Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog wasted no time in making his presence felt in his first game back. The Colorado captain laid a big hit on former teammate Mikko Rantanen, setting the tone for the game.

Here’s a look at the hit:

Landeskog and Rantanen both went after the puck. But it was Landeskog who laid the body on the Stars’ forward, dropping him on the ice like a bad habit.

The bit open-ice hit was proof enough that Landeskog feels perfectly fine after missing nearly three years. Landeskog would play over four minutes in the opening frame, showing that he hasn’t lost a step despite the devastating knee injury he sustained and the subsequent surgery to repair it.