The Colorado Avalanche’s captain Gabriel Landeskog has been an integral part of the team’s success this season, but unfortunately, it was recently announced that he won’t be returning for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This news comes as a significant blow for the Avalanche, who have relied heavily on Landeskog’s leadership and outstanding performance on the ice. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Landeskog’s absence and what it means for the Avalanche going forward.
The Colorado Avalanche will be without their captain Gabriel Landeskog for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Landeskog, who is a center for the team, underwent knee surgery in October which has kept him out of this entire season. He underwent another surgery on March 21, 2022, which caused him to miss 23 games. However, he returned to the team for the playoffs and was instrumental in their Stanley Cup win. In the postseason, he played 20 games and recorded 22 points, leading the team with a plus-15 rating.
Despite the October surgery initially being projected to sideline him for 12 weeks, Landeskog has not played a single game in the regular season. He has been a prominent player for the Avalanche since his NHL debut in 2011, accruing 571 points in 738 regular-season games and 67 points in 69 playoff games.
The Avalanche are still considered title contenders without their captain, having secured a spot in the playoffs by finishing first or second in the Central Division. They will face off against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, April 14th with an eye on clinching home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
In conclusion, losing their captain and top goal scorer is undoubtedly a significant setback for the Colorado Avalanche as they enter the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the team is optimistic and ready to rise to the challenge. The Avalanche have depth in their lineup and a strong offensive presence with players such as Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. The absence of Gabriel Landeskog will undoubtedly be felt, but the team remains determined to bring the coveted Stanley Cup home to Colorado. As the playoffs commence, we wish the Avalanche the best of luck in their pursuit of hockey glory. Go Avs!
