Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog stuns fans while speaking out on his first game in three years
Photo credit: The American Hockey League
Colorado Avalanche's captain Gabriel Landeskog stunned fans with a statement following his first professional hockey game in nearly three years.
On Friday night, Gabriel Landeskog made his return to professional hockey when he suited up for a game with the Colorado Eagles, and there were multiple surprising guests in attendance for his first game back including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
With him playing in his first game with the Colorado Eagles, it marked a big step to him returning to the Avalanche's lineup for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Before last night, Landeskog did not play a game since game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals when he helped lead the team to their third championship. He went on to have three knee surgeries, along with a cartilage transplant in 2023.
Earlier this week though, the Colorado Avalanche surprised fans when Landeskog was sent to the Colorado Eagles on a conditioning stint.
He would play 15 shifts, and had just under 15 minutes of ice time in the Eagles 2-0 win Friday night. He picked up two shots on net along with a minor penalty in style.
Landeskog Stuns Fans After First Game Back
Following the game, Landeskog shocked fans with a statement, admitting that his knee felt strong, but his conditioning still needs some work:
«Body feels great,» Landeskog said. «Was telling some of the guys on the bench my knee feels great. I'm just tired. We're going to work on that.
«There were times where I didn't know if that was ever going to happen,» he said. «It felt great being in the battle again. On the bench, in the room, on the ice, all the nuances of a hockey game. Really fun being back.»
«I felt great,» Landeskog said postgame. «Obviously, some nerves going into it. I was trying to figure out, 'What did I use to do again?'
»But I was just trying to enjoy it, get into the game. Physically I feel great.»
«There were times where I didn't know if that was ever going to happen,» he said. «It felt great being in the battle again. On the bench, in the room, on the ice, all the nuances of a hockey game. Really fun being back.»
«I felt great,» Landeskog said postgame. «Obviously, some nerves going into it. I was trying to figure out, 'What did I use to do again?'
»But I was just trying to enjoy it, get into the game. Physically I feel great.»
For someone who went three years without playing, and had multiple surgeries on his knee, it's pretty shocking that he is feeling the way he is.
This is a big step for Landeskog, and the Avs are hopeful he can return to the lineup for playoffs.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 12 | 75 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog stuns fans while speaking out on his first game in three years Do you think there is a chance that Gabriel Landeskog joins the Colorado Avalanche for their playoff run? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 96 % |
| No | 3 | 4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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