What a scene last night at Ball Arena! The air was electric, and the fans were on their feet as the Colorado Avalanche’s captain, Gabriel Landeskog, made his triumphant return to NHL action after an incredible 1,032 days on the sidelines. With chants of “Landeskog” echoing during warmups, this felt like more than just a game—it was a celebration of perseverance and a testament to the tenacity of a player who’s worked tirelessly to get back on the ice.

The crowd’s anticipation had been building since Avalanche coach Jared Bednar teased the possibility of Landeskog’s return. After being activated off injured reserve just before Game 2, fans knew they were witnessing something special.

The last time they watched No. 92 in action, he was raising the Stanley Cup after the Avs’ victory in the 2022 finals. However, what followed was a tough road filled with setbacks, surgeries, and the challenge of missing an entire season, including another playoff run.

But Landeskog’s resilience shone through. He remarked, “Until I’ve exhausted every option, I’m just going to continue pushing forward.

I’m confident in the player I am. I’m confident in the athlete I am.”

And it showed. Despite his extended absence from the NHL, Landeskog wasn’t heading into this cold.

He managed to shake off some rust with the Avs’ American Hockey League affiliate earlier this month, where he notched a goal and assist in just two games.

This was the kind of moment that goes beyond statistics, yet Landeskog’s numbers are nothing short of impressive. Over 11 seasons, exclusively with the Avalanche, he’s racked up 571 points in 738 games, complemented by an additional 67 points in 89 postseason contests.

His return comes at a crucial time with the series against the Dallas Stars leveled at one game each. The Avs kicked off the series with a win, but the Stars answered back with a nail-biting overtime victory that has set an exciting stage back in the Mile High City.

Landeskog’s presence on the ice doesn’t just boost the team’s hopes—it elevates the energy of the entire arena. Denver has waited nearly three long years for their captain’s return, and with Landeskog back in the saddle, it’s sure to be a thrilling ride for the Avalanche and their fans as the playoffs continue to heat up.