DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) is introduced in the starting lineup before game three of the Western Conference 1st Round between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2025.
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gabriel Landeskog scores in second game back
  • Landy’s first goal since June 20, 2022
  • Read below for more on Landeskog’s goal

Gabriel Landeskog is back in the goal column.

The Colorado Avalanche captain made his emotional return to the lineup in Game 3, and now he’s back on the scoreboard in Game 4.

Landeskog took a pass from Brock Nelson and powered the puck past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger with a slapshot from the top of the slot.

 

Landeskog’s goal gave the Avalanche a 3-0 lead midway through the second period.

It was the 28th playoff goal of Landeskog’s career in his 71st playoff game.

Perhaps no one was happier for Landeskog than reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon.

 

Landeskog’s last goal came 4:43 into the second period of Game 3 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final on June 20. He had the Avalanche’s only two goals in a 6-2 loss in Tampa Bay in that one. The captain had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) and was a playoff-leading +15 in 20 games to help his team lift the Stanley Cup in 2022.

It’s been an emotional journey for Landeskog, who just played his first NHL game in 1,032 days. The 32-year-old forward worked his way back from knee surgery that required a cartilage transplant surgery.

Landeskog is hoping he can help his team to another Stanley Cup this year. He was expected to be used more as a role piece, but Landeskog was moved up to the second line in just his second game back. It’s safe to say it paid off.

The Avalanche and Stars are locked in a heated series. Game 5 is set for 9:30 p.m. EDT on Monday night in Dallas.