Gabriel Landeskog's Status Ahead of Game 3 Tonight Revealed

The question on everyone's mind as the Colorado Avalanche get ready to take on the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series has been answered.

Fans and analysts alike have been wondering when Gabriel Landeskog would return to the lineup, and now, just hours before Game 3, the coach has given an answer that appears to give some closure, at least for now.

There was significant hype heading into Game 2, with many expecting Landeskog to dress for his much-anticipated return. However, the Avalanche captain was not in the lineup.

When asked about the omission, head coach Jared Bednar said Landeskog is still building toward his first game action since the team's Stanley Cup win in the 2022 Finals.

The veteran winger, Bednar said, wanted to get re-acclimatized to the rhythm of game day, from traveling to morning skate to absorbing the energy of the dressing room before plunging into playoff chaos.

At last, after nearly three seasons of setbacks and uncertainty brought on by injuries, the book is about to open wide. Barring anything unusual, all signs point to Landeskog being ready to go once again for Game 3.

If so, it would be not only a series turning point but an emotional return of one of the most popular and respected players to ever wear an Avalanche jersey.