Colorado Avalanche Injury Updates; Landeskog Ready for Game 1?

It was something of a mixed bag this morning, when it came to the health statuses of Avalanche player who have been out of the lineup of late.

Let’s go down the list:

Devon Toews – He’s back in the lineup tonight against the St. Louis Blues. Jared Bednar says he brings a “calming influence.”

Mikko Rantanen – He will not play tonight. And, he did not skate with the team this morning. However, he did skate some before that. Jared Bednar said he’s “gearing up” to play the next game, against Nashville. So, that’s good news, right?

Gabe Landeskog – While he did skate on his own before the rest of the team as well, Bednar said it is “unlikely” he’ll play before the playoffs. But, Bednar said he still is optimistic Landeskog will play Game 1 of the first round.

Ryan Murray – He’s back in a regular sweater, but won’t play tonight.[

Obviously, the most worrisome thing right now is whether Landeskog will actually be good to go for the playoffs. And, how effective he might be if he can play. He’s been out a good while now, and it’s tough to just jump right back into playoff action after a long layoff. But, that’s the situation and we just have to see what happens.

Other lineup stuff for tonight: Jack Johnson will get a night off, with Toews back in the lineup. The Avs have lost four in a row and need a win to get some confidence back.

Logan O’Connor will replace Ben Meyers in the lineup tonight. Darcy Kuemper gets the start in goal.

“We’ve taken a dip, and now it’s time to get it back,” Bednar said.

Bednar said the “leadership group had some things to say today” to the rest of the team. It should be an interesting game tonight.