The Colorado Avalanche have tied their series with the Dallas Stars and are getting help from a key franchise icon.
The Colorado Avalanche evened their opening-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars with a dominant 4-0 victory. As the best-of-seven series stands tied after four games, both teams are showcasing one of the closest battles in the first round.
The Avalanche remain optimistic that the return of a crucial player will help propel them forward. Captain Gabriel Landeskog, who played his first NHL game in nearly three years during Game 3, made his impact felt by scoring in Game 4.
🚨 GABRIEL LANDESKOG GOAL! GABRIEL LANDESKOG GOAL! 🚨
His first goal in the NHL since June 20, 2022 puts the @Avalanche up 3-0 in this one! #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT (TBS) & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️… pic.twitter.com/w7UBXIWFpM— NHL (@NHL) April 27, 2025
To secure a 3-0 lead in the second period, Landeskog scored by slipping the puck past Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, marking his first goal in 1,041 days.
After battling an unfortunate leg injury and enduring a difficult recovery with several procedures, Landeskog has returned to the ice and is eager to add even more energy to an already talented Avalanche roster.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Landeskog reflected on his goal. “I think I blacked out for a moment and was just searching for my teammates. It’s amazing, and the genuine excitement from them really means a lot. You could feel the energy in the building tonight.”
During the past three years, Landeskog often questioned whether he would ever return to playing hockey again, let alone score in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now that he’s back and reestablished in the lineup, he’s poised for more chances to contribute to the Avalanche’s success.
“I’ve pictured scoring again for a long time,” he shared. “But there were definitely days when I wondered if I’d ever get to score again. So this feels really good. It’s a close playoff series, and getting to do it at home in front of our fans means a lot.”
Landeskog also tallied an assist on the Avalanche’s fourth and final goal of the night as Colorado prepares to hit the road in a tied series. With the Avalanche and Stars poised for a potentially lengthy matchup, Landeskog could be a key player for Colorado.
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