Gabriel Landeskog’s return to the Avalanche lineup is the feel-good story of the playoffs

It was a night Colorado Avalanche fans won’t forget as Gabriel Landeskog, three years removed from his last game, made his return to the Avs lineup for Game 3 in their first-round series against the Dallas Stars.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss Landeskog’s return and the long road he took to get back in the lineup.

Tyler Yaremchuk: There were three comebacks Wednesday night, but the most impressive one was Gabirel Landeskog, who was back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup after over a 1,000 days away. The reception for Gabe, everything around it, his post-game press conference talking about how his kids didn’t even believe he was a hockey player, all of it was so good.

Frank Seravalli: The journey is incredible. Think about how long it’s been – 1,032 days – nearly three full calendar years. The only two other players to return to NHL action after missing more than 1,000 days were Sid Abel and Syl Apps, and that’s because they served in the Second World War.

Look, there’s this amazing part of his comeback story that is spent, quite literally, all by himself. It is a lonely, lonely existence being an injured NHL player. You don’t spend much time around your team, and when you do, you’re in street clothes and you feel like an interloper.

He played an important role as captain, specifically this year. Not just participating in practice or morning skate, but think about this Avs team: 10 skates that weren’t in their opening night lineup. He was a huge part of the welcoming committee to make everyone feel comfortable.

That’s about as much as he’s been part of this team for three years, which highlights just how long of a road it was.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…