Landeskog's heroic return sparks Avalanche comeback, series tied 2-2

Gabriel Landeskog scored his first NHL goal in nearly three years, propelling the Colorado Avalanche to a dominant 4-0 Game 4 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday. The Avalanche captain’s emotional goal-a snap shot assisted by Brock Nelson-helped even the first-round playoff series at 2-2, setting up a pivotal Game 5 clash tonight in Dallas

Landeskog, who last played in June 2022 before a knee injury requiring a cartilage transplant sidelined him for three seasons, made his playoff return in Game 3. His Game 4 performance included a goal, an assist, and a standing ovation at Ball Arena as Colorado outshot Dallas 47-23 Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the team with 116 regular-season points, added a power-play goal in the shutout win

The Stars, who previously led the series 2-1, now face a reinvigorated Avalanche squad. Colorado’s penalty kill and Mackenzie Blackwood’s 23-save shutout stifled Dallas’ offense, while Landeskog’s resurgence adds depth to a lineup already featuring MVP candidate MacKinnon

Tonight’s Game 5 at American Airlines Center airs on ESPN, with the winner gaining a critical edge in the best-of-seven series. Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. CT.