Two nights ago, it wasn’t the night for either the Colorado Avalanche or 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. I didn’t wait for the official word, and the “will he or won’t he” question loomed until puck drop.
Then, we got news that Landeskog could sit out the first two playoff games, and that prediction came true.
However, Wednesday morning brought some optimism.
During his weekly radio spot on 92.5 FM Altitude, head coach Jared Bednar revealed that there was “a good chance Gabe Landeskog plays tonight.”
“A good chance Gabe Landeskog is gonna play tonight,” Bednar confirmed.
— 92.5 FM – Denver’s Altitude Sports Radio (@AltitudeSR) April 23, 2025
Admittedly, hearing “a good chance” is much more reassuring than the previous silence from Bednar. It seemed like he was trying to keep any advantages in play against Dallas for Game 2. Unfortunately, the Avalanche lost in a heartbreaking overtime defeat.
With Landeskog potentially back in the lineup, I’m curious how Bednar will handle the line combinations. Could they give Landeskog a ceremonial first shift? Given the way the Avalanche handle media, though, that seems unlikely, but it would still be cool. I’d love to see a video made for when he officially hits the ice, with players from across the league welcoming him back.
It’s been over 1,000 days since Landeskog played in an NHL game, so it’s hard not to get excited and hopeful that he’ll look great. He played in two games with the Colorado Eagles as part of his recovery, and though the AHL game is slower, it was encouraging to see him hitting, shooting, and even scoring a goal.
While I wouldn’t be surprised if his role is limited due to the playoff intensity, putting Landeskog in the lineup would mean someone else would have to come out. Not every player has been perfect this postseason, and that adds a level of risk—what if Landeskog doesn’t look sharp?
The silver lining is that the series is tied, and it’s not an elimination game. So, if there’s ever a time to put Landeskog in the lineup, tonight feels like the right moment. The risk is there, but it’s one worth taking.
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