Avalanche HC Jared Bednar makes key confession on potential path for Gabriel Landeskog’s return in Game 2 vs Stars

The Colorado Avalanche delivered a statement victory in Game 1 of the first round series against the Dallas Stars, securing a commanding 5-1 triumph on enemy ice. The win became even more impressive considering Gabriel Landeskog‘s absence, who could make his long-awaited NHL return in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as head coach Jared Bednar stated.

Winning the opening game of any playoff series is pivotal in the NHL, but it becomes even more rewarding when it happens on the road — as the Avalanche did at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Worst-case scenario: Bednar and Colorado will return to Denver with a tied series; best-case scenario, they take a 2-0 lead back to Ball Arena, where they’re even stronger. However, the Stars have recently found success playing the Avs in the Mile High City during the postseason, handing them three losses in their last series in the 2023-24 season.

Moreover, the precedent is not looking bright for the Avalanche, who won Game 1 in Dallas last season before falling in six games to the Stars. Dallas hasn’t forgotten about it, as Wyatt Johnston warned the players in Colorado. However, the Avs are hoping to do things differently this time around, and the return of their captain, Landeskog, could be just the differentiating element.

Head coach Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche watches as his team plays the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Ball Arena on April 10, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

Can Landeskog play in Game 2?

Landeskog didn’t play during the Avalanche’s 5-1 victory in Dallas, further fueling the popular belief among fans that his return is being reserved for Game 3 at Ball Arena. At the end of the day, the Stanley Cup-winning captain deserves a fitting welcome reception after an over two-year absence from the ice.

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However, playoff hockey doesn’t wait for anybody, and injuries can emerge unexpectedly. And so it ocurred during Game 1 versus the Stars, as Ross Colton sustained a lower-body injury. Though an update hasn’t been provided on his injury, Bednar confirmed Landeskog is an option to replace Colton if the 28-year-old forward can’t play in Game 2.

No setbacks

Despite missing Game 1 and not participating in the optional morning skate on Sunday, Bednar made it clear that Landeskog is still headed in the right direction with his recovery, and that his absence was just another step toward his official return for the Avalanche.

Understandably, the fanbase in Denver is anxious to see Landeskog back on the ice, but the last thing anyone in the organization — or in the NHL — wants is for him to re-aggravate the injury by rushing back.