Avs' Gabriel Landeskog back for Game 3, first NHL action in 3 years - ESPN

DENVER — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will play in his first NHL game in nearly three years Wednesday night against the Dallas Stars.

It will be his first NHL appearance since June 26, 2022, when he and the Avalanche beat Tampa Bay to capture the Stanley Cup. He has been sidelined because of a chronically injured right knee.

The Avalanche posted a video of Landeskog driving to Ball Arena, which he concluded, «Hey Avs Faithful, it's Gabe here, just wanted to shoot you guys a quick message — thank you guys for all the support over the last few years and I'll see you tonight.»

The Cap has a message for you, Avs Faithful.<a href=«https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAvsGo?src=hash&ref_src=» https:>#GoAvsGo

| <a href=«https://twitter.com/hashtag/BuiltDifferent?src=hash&ref_src=» https:>#BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/dhoTqrflZo

Landeskog was the first player to take the ice at morning practice ahead of Game 3. He went through a series of shooting drills before his teammates joined him

«I feel surprisingly calm and in control right now. I know the butterflies and the nerves will come, I'm sure,» he said during a pregame interview. «I found myself thinking about this moment a lot over the last three years. And now that it's here, it's the reverse — I'm thinking a lot about the hard work that's gone into it, some of the ups, a lot of the downs, sacrifices and support I've had along the way.

»Thankful for everybody and all their support, but now it's go time so I'm excited to get out there."

Colorado's first-round series with Dallas is tied at 1-1.

Landeskog's presence on the ice could provide a big boost not only for his teammates but also for the capacity crowd. His No. 92 sweater is a frequent sight around the arena.