DENVER — Gabriel Landeskog's right knee feels “really good” two days after his first NHL game in nearly three seasons. No issues whatsoever. His thumbs may soon be a different story. The Colorado Avalanche captain vowed to respond to the more than 130 unread text messages from family, friends and fellow players congratulating him on his comeback.

Gabriel Landeskog is back. The Colorado Avalanche captain hasn't played since the 2021-22 season due to issues with his right knee, but he'll return to the ice on Wednesday night in his team's Game 3 matchup in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars.

Landeskog's wife, Melissa, was emotional as she watched her husband getting ready to take the ice for the first time since Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. The family and some friends moved to a private suite for Game 3 while wearing custom No. 92 shirts, and watched as Avalanche fans erupted into chants of “Landy” throughout the pregame.