Will Landeskog Make a Historical Return in Game 3?

Avs Faithful and the hockey world are anxiously awaiting Gabriel Landeskog’s return. Will it be Game 3 at Ball Arena on Wednesday night? “We’ll see,” head coach Jared Bednar said after morning skate.

“Obviously progressing, taking a few more reps on the power play. Just a good energy guy, and obviously a leader, means a lot to the fans and the team here,” Brock Nelson said. “Definitely nice to see him. Hopefully get him in a game … Excitement is just being back home for Game 3, and if you get him, it’s even more so.”

The Avalanche will use the loud, electric home crowd to their advantage against the Dallas Stars. Former Av and current Stars forward Mikko Rantanen knows how powerful that energy is and knows it could be tough for his new team.

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“I’ve played a lot of playoff games here as a home team, and the crowd is really good here. So we gotta try to manage the crowd,” Rantanen said.

“I would expect if he’s (Landeskog) going to play, it’s going to be even louder when he hits the ice … The first period is important. We got to manage the puck, no turnovers, and just play simple road hockey, and make it boring.”

Charlie Coyle said Landeskog has made an impression on him in just the few weeks he’s known him. His return would amplify Game 3 in several ways.

“It’s always great to see him make strides, improve and get closer and closer. You’re just excited for him, for us, and it’s a great thing to see, especially putting in a few goals there at the end too,” Coyle said after morning skate. “Seems like that’s normal again, that’s how it should be.

“I could only envision the crowd out there and what they would think. But whoever’s going, whatever the lineup ends up being, we got to make the most of it. But of course, if, when he plays, whenever he plays, gonna be an exciting feeling. I know the crowd will be definitely behind us even more.”

While Bednar remained tight-lipped about his lineup and whether or not the 32-year-old Swede will be in it, one particular thing indicated he could likely play for the first time in nearly three years. Landeskog was off the ice before Miles Wood and Jimmy Vesey — the options to fill Ross Colton’s spot while he’s out with a lower-body injury. It’s typical for the players who get off the ice the earliest, will play in that night’s game.

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Landeskog has an exceptional impact on the team as captain on and off the ice, and Bednar recognized the importance of his presence.

“He’s an invaluable guy to our team, not only with what he provides on the ice, but also in the locker room. And now he’s been around, obviously a lot more, because he’s gearing up and getting ready to play,” Bednar said. “We welcome him back, everyone is rooting for him. It’s a great comeback story. I trust in Gabe’s preparation, and what I’m seeing with my own eyes that he’s getting close and ready to play.”

Avs fans seem to think he will play Game 3 as well. Ticket prices soared after he skated in Game 2 pregame warmups in Dallas but did not play. If he makes his return in Game 3 at Ball Arena, it will be a historical game to experience.