Deen’s Daily: Landeskog Full Practice Participant; Playoff Bracket is Set — Avs/Stars Game 1 on Saturday

The Avalanche had their first full-team practice before the playoffs and the captain was there the entire way. Also, the Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket is set following a Habs win.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 17.

Colorado Hockey Now

Gabriel Landeskog was one of 15 forwards to practice with the Avs on Tuesday. He skated on the extras line with Miles Wood and Jimmy Vesey, but was a full participant and took contact. Read about that and more in my practice report, which includes a press conference with general manager Chris MacFarland.

The team has not yet announced that Landeskog will partake in Game 1 on Saturday, but it’s leaning that way. Yes, Landeskog skated with the extras, but that will probably change on Friday before the team takes off for Dallas to prepare for Game 1.

We’ll have to wait and see.

Around The NHL

Montreal Hockey Now: The bracket is set. The Montreal Canadiens got a crucial win on Tuesday vs Carolina to secure the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Kaiden Guhle was the star of the big game.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: As the Pens’ season ends, Bryan Rust has made it clear that he wants to stay. Kris Letang had a minor heart procedure and visited teammates the next day.

Philly Hockey Now: Three out-of-the-box coaching candidates for the Flyers’ next head coach.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders are coming to terms with the end of Matt Martin’s career on Long Island. Catch this exclusive with Ryan Pulock talking about his longtime teammate.