Friendships can, and often do, transform into temporary rivalries once the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs takes hold. Upon his NHL return for the Colorado Avalanche, captain Gabriel Landeskog wasted no time in greeting Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen with a big hit at center ice, setting the tone for a gritty Game 3. Despite the Stars coming out on top with a 2-1 overtime victory, Landeskog took a moment to share an emotional message for his former teammate, now adversary, Rantanen.
Landeskog wasted no time in making his presence felt during Game 3. After being sidelined for over two years, the Avalanche’s captain was shot out of a cannon as the playoff series shifted to Ball Arena in Denver. During his first shift, Landeskog layed the body on Rantanen—of every Stars players—prompting an eruption from the sold-out barn.
It wasn’t enough for Colorado to take the series lead over Dallas, as the visiting team managed to weather the storm and eventually took the wind out of the Avs’ sails, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
Rantanen played his second game in Colorado’s home arena, but this time with a different jersey than the familiar burgundy and blue. It was also his first time facing Landeskog on the opposite side, and he’ll certainly carry a bruise as a reminder of the encounter.
Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars handles the puck during Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round vs the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2025.
However, there wasn’t no ill-intention from Landeskog. After the game, the Avalanche’s skipper made sure to remind Rantanen of it, with a sincere comment.
see also
NHL News: Cale Makar voices 7-word apologetic comment to Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche teammates after loss in Game 3 vs Stars
“Regardless of what jersey [Rantanen] wears, I love him,” Gabriel Landeskog admitted during his postgame press conference.
Emotions running high
Landeskog endured a grueling journey, defying medical odds en route to a miraculous comeback from knee cartilage replacement surgery. It was never about the money—his net worth speaks for itself—but about pride, and silencing the noise when few believed a return was even possible.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and the Avs’ captain poured his heart into every step of the way. No matter the final score, his magical return to the NHL was a victory in itself.
“It was amazing. I’m just blessed and very fortunate to be able to feel those feeling,” Landeskog said. “I mean, that’s a memory for life. As simple as that”
Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on before the game against the Dallas Stars in Game Three of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 23, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
A marathon, not a sprint
The race is far from over for the Avalanche. As deflating as their last home-ice loss may feel, they’re still just one win away from evening the series—and turning it into anybody’s game.
“It’s a 7-game series for a reason,” Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confidently said after the loss in Game 3, delivering a calm and collected message to the locker room during his postgame press conference.
SurveyWho will move on to the Second Round?
Who will move on to the Second Round?
ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE
The Avalanche will have an extra day to regroup and get ready for Game 4 on Saturday night at Ball Arena. They’ll need to come out of the gate with urgency, as another loss to the Stars would put them on the brink of elimination when the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 5. A win on Saturday, however, would guarantee a Game 6 back in Colorado.
