Watch: Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog scores first goal in nearly three years

The Colorado Avalanche received a huge lift in their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars when captain Gabriel Landeskog made his return to the lineup in Game 3 of the series. Landeskog had not played in a game since the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, missing three full seasons due to knee issues that nearly ended his career. In Game 4 of the series on Saturday night, he scored his first goal since returning to the lineup, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

Have a look. LANDY SCORES HIS FIRST IN THREE YEARS pic.twitter.



com/0ZFjSaSGB9 Before Saturday, his most recent goal came in Game 3 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Landeskog was finally able to work his way back into the lineup for Game 3 of the series. He played 13 minutes in that game, but did not record a point or even a shot on goal.

There was always going to be a question as to how much of an impact he could make after so much time off, but as he showed on Saturday night, he still has something to offer, even in a limited role. Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA.

Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz.