Recap: Gabe Landeskog after debut with Eagles: ‘Physically, I feel great’
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Gabe Landeskog played hockey tonight but it was for the Colorado Eagles in Loveland! Loveland, CO — We were in the house for the biggest night in Colorado Eagles history as Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog appeared as part of the AHL club tonight. His much-anticipated return was truly something to see, and the fans at Blue Arena welcomed him with a standing ovation! Let's talk about how things went for #92 and see if the Eagles could get closer to securing that top seed in the pacific division.
Welcome back Gabe! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/jGQM04BlWD— x - Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) April 12, 2025
First Period
Things started with a bang as Aaron Schneekloth got right to it and iced Gabe for the opening face-off. Would you have it any other way? Listen to the pop of this crowd as Landeskog's name was announced in the starting lineup!
Listen to the roar of the crowd as Gabe Landeskog is announced! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/amIfWe9QUU— x - Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) April 12, 2025
Landy’s first shift in 1,020 days. #GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/rb8zYqfWkh— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) April 12, 2025
Now, let's talk about that first shift! Gabe appeared to feel things out early but warmed up as the period continued. He earned himself a shot and even spent some time in the penalty box. Just before the period ended, Landeskog got into a scuffle behind the net and stuck up for his teammates the way we know he can! The Eagles got on the board first when Calle Rosen (yeah, that Calle Rosen) found Chase Bradley, who buried a two-on-one chance to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Second Period
Landeskog participated in both sides of the special teams approach in the second period. First, we caught a glimpse of his power play ability, and it was great to see Gabe in front of the net, just like we were hoping. Then we saw some of him on the penalty kill, where he earned a quality short-handed look.
Gabe doing his net-front thing on the power-play! Almost had a nice deflection!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/SyRDwYOGu1— x - Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) April 12, 2025
Landy nearly scored short handed but got some PK work in! He’s playing on all special teams! #GoAvsGo #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/fqNpuc0rB1— x - Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) April 12, 2025
The Eagles are a good team, and Nikita Prishchepov showed us why he's spent some time up with the big boys after a nifty move and an inevitable goal from the back end of the HSK goalie.
Third Period
In the final frame, we saw more rough stuff and physical play involving Landy, but ultimately, neither team scored. It felt like Gabe might get an empty-netter, but it didn't happen. Trent Miner was clutch in the six-on-five scenario and did all he could to keep the Silver Knights off the board.
️Trent MinerOn being one of 28 goaltenders to never give up a goal against Alex Ovechkin: “To be a part of it is a huge honor. I’m pretty happy to say that I was able to do that.”#EaglesCountry | #GoAvsGo | @gs_off_ice pic.twitter.com/YxmgTnHjZq— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) April 10, 2025
Takeaways
This one meant a lot to the Eagles, and they made that clear whenever a mic was in front of them. T.J. Tynan said, "No one can imagine what he's been through," as he spoke highly of Gabe and his presence here tonight.
Gabe looked just fine tonight, and everything went according to plan. The real question will be how he will feel tomorrow and the next day as the wear and tear of high-level hockey starts to show up. I'm optimistic based on what I saw tonight. He wasn't afraid to get dirty in the corners and put himself in harm's way for the team's betterment.
Gabe Landeskog postgame press conference: 4.11.25#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | @MHH_LAB pic.twitter.com/AWP4SpCH2d— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) April 12, 2025
In the post-game presser, Landeskog mentioned, "physically, I feel great" and discussed how much he has leaned on his support group over these last few years, saying, "You never do something like this alone, you never do anything in life alone." Gabe still seemed to have that uncanny clear-headed demeanor about him, which gave me feelings of optimism.
Overall, it was a successful night for the Colorado Eagles, who are still hunting for that division title. It couldn't have hurt to have Gabe on the bench. Coach Schneekloth quickly noted that "Gabe was vocal on the bench" when I asked if his vocal leadership showed up tonight. He also praised Trent Miner, who saved all 31 shots and was the unsung hero of the evening with a crucial performance in a big game for his squad.
Aaron Schneekloth’s post-game press conference: 4.11.25#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | @MHH_LAB pic.twitter.com/K3zoxPIqdm— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) April 12, 2025
Up Next
Tomorrow night will possibly be another installment of the Gabe Landeskog show in Loveland as the Henderson Silver Knights return to Blue Arena for the weekend's second game. Let's run it back.
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