Gabriel Landeskog sparks comeback for Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 win against Dallas Stars

The highly anticipated return of Gabriel Landeskog has brought new energy to the Colorado Avalanche locker room. The captain finally made an unforgettable impact in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, after a long battle with knee problems that kept him out for years. His fight and form strengthened the offense in addition to bringing up spirits inside Ball Arena. With Landeskog looking sharp, he's given Colorado the first burst of jolt in pursuit of playoff success this season despite his long absence.

Still riding the energies of a righteous yet circumspect Game 3, coach Jared Bednar, with full certainty of Landeskog's readiness, elevated him to the second line and first power-play unit. This became a sound career move. Landeskog chased away all thoughts of having rust, playing over 14 minutes, scoring one goal, and assisting another in the Avalanche's 4-0 victory.

His first goal since 2022 came midway through the second period. After receiving a slick backhand pass from Brock Nelson, Landeskog drilled a quick shot from the high slot past Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger to double Colorado's lead. The moment sent Ball Arena into an uproar, with chants of "Land-y! Land-y!" — a fitting salute to a captain who had traveled through hell back to the ice.

The assist highlighted Landeskog's physicality and determination. In front of the net, he kept Lian Bichsel away from the shot long enough that Oettinger could not see Samuel Girard's shot score on the goal. That kind of physical determination was an important personal marker for him, reassuring both Landeskog and the Avalanche that his knee withstood full-blown playoff pressure.
Above and beyond the points, Landeskog's return set an emotional heartbeat back into the locker room. He has a special bond with his teammates, especially with Nathan MacKinnon, during the ecstatic celebrations that were so full of hugging and embracing. MacKinnon aptly articulated the emotion: It was bigger than hockey for Landeskog, meaning so much more about his fight and brotherhood.
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This incomparably amazing return of Gabriel Landeskog brings the hopes of the Colorado Avalanche of winning the Stanley Cup alive. If he continues improving and elevating his play, Colorado will have an athlete who will be energized and ready to carry the team beyond what they have done previously in the playoffs. This return story of Landeskog will not only be impressive, but might also transform everything.