It’s a Colorado Avalanche playoff game day!
Credit to the Dallas Stars, down a goal in the third period of Game 2 they refused to fly to Denver without getting at least one win at home. That game may not have ended the way Colorado fans wanted, but it was absolutely the most exciting hockey game the Avs have played in a while — they just needed to win to make it even better. Back in Ball Arena with some exciting reinforcements likely returning to the lineup, they’ll look to dial back the back and forth excitement a bit and win this one clean.
Game Three.
#GoAvsGo | #BuiltDifferent
— Colorado Avalanche (Bot) (@notavs.bsky.social) 2025-04-23T14:20:51.434Z
So far the Avs have two goals at 5v5 from their top nine forward group, the Artturi Lehkonen kick goal and Charlie Coyle’s garbage timer – both in Game 1. That’s not going to cut it.
On the flip side, the fourth line followed up a dominant defensive Game 1 with two goals in Game 2. Counting on them to continue to bring the offense like that is ill-advised, but with the way Logan O’Connor is playing right now that group should be able to continue to make a difference.
Of course. there’s one major storyline everyone knows with Colorado, one major question everyone’s asking – is Gabriel Landeskog returning in the home playoff opener? According to Jared Bednar, it looks likely.
Jared Bednar via @AltitudeSR on Gabe Landeskog playing tonight:
There’s a good chance he’s gonna play tonight!
#GoAvsGo
— Adrian Hernandez (@adohernandez27.bsky.social) 2025-04-23T14:02:22.272Z
After the roster fakeout in Game 2, probably best to believe the Landy return when you actually see it happen – but it does feel like tonight is the night. Miles Wood played fine in his role on the third line until a brutal turnover and defensive lapse led to the OT winner for the Stars, and would likely swap out for the Captain if he does indeed return.
On the backend, Erik Johnson could get a night off to make room for Sam Malinski to slot in next to Ryan Lindgren, as EJ’s legs looked a little slow even before the OT. Still a useful player, but this elder statesman version of EJ needs some nights off to stay effective.
Projected Lineup
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Logan O’Connor
Gabriel Landeskog – Charlie Coyle – Joel Kiviranta
Devon Toews – Cale Makar
Ryan Lindgren – Sam Malinski
Samuel Girard – Josh Manson
Mackenzie Blackwood