Will Gabe Landeskog's return help the Avalanche beat the Stars in the Playoffs?
Gabe Landeskog is finally back on the ice after 1,032 days. The Colorado Avalanche captain returned in Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Dallas Stars. Fans at Ball Arena gave him a hero's welcome, chanting his name and celebrating every moment he played. But even with all the excitement, the Avalanches lost in overtime and now trail 2-1 in the series. So, the big question is: can Gabe Landeskog's return help the Avalanche win?
Gabe Landeskog's comeback brings hope and power
Gabe Landeskog didn't just skate around, he made an impact from the start. On his very first shift, he knocked down teammate-turned-opponent Mikko Rantanen, showing he still has the power and presence that made him a great captain. He played 13 minutes over 18 shifts, which is solid for someone who hasn't played in nearly three years due to knee surgery.
A special moment for Landeskog ❤️💙
Even though he still looked a bit rusty, his leadership and energy were clear. The Avalanche haven't had a deep playoff run since Gabw Landeskog left the lineup, and that's not a coincidence. His return brings hope, experience, and motivation, all things a team needs when they're down in a series. Game 4 is a must-win, and with Landy on the ice, fans believe they have a fighting chance.
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Avalanche have enough talent to win without him
But not everyone agrees that Gabe Landeskog is the game-changer. Some believe that if Colorado needs a player who has not played in years to win, then they're in trouble. The Avalanche already have stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, plus key new players like goalie Mackenzie Blackwood and forwards Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle. This team was already one of the strongest in the NHL before Gabe Landeskog returned.
In Game 3, the excitement around Gabe Landeskog didn't lead to better results. The Stars out-shot the Avs 14-5 in the first period, and the team didn't seem to feed off the emotion. Hockey is a team game, and even with Gabe Landeskog, everyone has to step up. If the Avalanche are waiting for just one player to carry them, the Stanley Cup dream could end early.
Also Read:
NHL Playoff Intensity Soars After Gabriel Landeskog's Return
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