Gabriel Landeskog was using Game 2 as an opportunity to acclimate to NHL hockey

All signs were pointing to a return to the ice for Gabriel Landeskog in Game 2 on Monday. Instead, he was scratched from the Avalanche lineup just minutes before the puck dropped

BY TRENT FINNEGAN

Apr 22, 2025, 11:21 AM Updated: Apr 24, 2025, 9:16 am

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The Colorado Avalanche were down a winger heading into Game 2 in Dallas on Monday night as Ross Colton suffered an injury in the series-opener. Gabriel Landeskog seemed to be in a prime position to get back on the ice for the first time in 1,030 days, as the team activated him off the injured reserve list in the morning leading up to the game. Many people wanted him to wait until Game 3 back at Ball Arena for his return, and they got their wish.

After all signs pointed toward the captain making his return, including him being on the ice in uniform for pregame warmups, he was scratched from the lineup in lieu of Miles Wood just before the game started. Avalanche fans all around were confused.

Gabriel Landeskog is on the ice for warmups! 👀 #StanleyCup

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🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/PvsKPUsD9z

— NHL (@NHL) April 22, 2025

“Gabe wanted to get in the groove and take warm up tonight and get in the room … be part of it. So that’s why he did that,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said after the loss.

As the game got underway, Landeskog was seen back up in the box, cheering his teammates on.

What’s the deal? If he’s not on the ice for Game 3, then it would raise eyebrows and start the speculation of whether or not he’s actually ready for the physicality of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If he is on the ice, then questions will be asked of why he didn’t play on Monday.

Wood was a -3 on the night and gave up a poor turnover late in the overtime period that led to the game-winning goal for the Stars. While many fans would’ve rather seen Landeskog in his place on the third line, Bednar went to bat for his guy after the game.

“I thought he was outstanding til that turnover,” Bednar said. “He worked hard, checked hard, disciplined with the puck, and I thought he was playing a heck of a hockey game until that point. Just happens to be a big one.”

While the Avs are just a few puck bounces from being up 2-0 in the series, they need the presence of their captain back out on the ice, especially if Colton still can’t go in Game 3. With how well the fourth line has played in the first two games, it would make sense to slot him in on the third line, giving him an opportunity to make an impact while not playing an excessive amount of minutes.

After a grueling game that almost went 80 minutes, the Avalanche only get one day of rest, which happens to be a travel day, as Game 3 at Ball Arena is set for Wednesday night.