Landeskog: Reception in return 'a memory of a lifetime'

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog would have preferred to end his night with a win, but the reception he received Wednesday to begin his first NHL game in nearly three years is something he won't soon forget.

Landeskog was greeted with a raucous ovation from Avalanche fans prior to Game 3 against the Dallas Stars. It marked his first time suiting up for the Avs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.

"From my perspective, regardless of the outcome of the game, that was a memory of a lifetime for me," Landeskog said, per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Landeskog underwent multiple knee surgeries after winning the championship, and only returned to game action earlier in April with a brief conditioning stint in the AHL.

The veteran winger was held off the scoresheet in Wednesday's overtime loss, but registered six hits in 13:16 of ice time.

"I've probably played this game 100 times in my mind already and envisioned what it was going to feel like," Landeskog said. "And obviously it wasn't even close to what it actually felt like."

He added, "But at the same time, (I was) allowing myself to enjoy everything because it’s a very special night."

The loss put Colorado down 2-1 in the series. The matchup resumes Saturday in Denver.