Gabriel Landeskog returns to Avs’ bench in final minutes to support teammates, despite scary injury

Being a captain in the NHL comes with many responsibilities. Sure, they’re supposed to represent the team, but even more important, they will do whatever it takes to make teammates better and support them both on and off the ice.

Last night, Avs’ captain Gabriel Landeskog showed how a captain should act, despite the fact that he was treated for a scary injury in the game against the Stars.

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars 4-1 last night and tied the series, with Game 7 to be played in Edmonton Friday. But the question is if the Avs’ has to fight for spot in the Western Conference Finals without captain Gabe Landeskog.

In the second period of Game 6 last night, Landeskog was caught by the skate of Cale Makar, getting a gash above his knee.

Landeskog made it to the bench himself, stumbling, and was helped to the dressing room. The Swede have 13 points in 14 games this postseason.

Landeskog returned later in the third period. He tried skating for one shift, but that was it.

Even though he was injured, he acted like a true captain for a team fighting for survival in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Teammate Andre Burakovsky tells Swedish news outlet Aftonbladet that he stayed at the bench for the entire game, just to support the rest of the team.

“He wanted to give us his support, he was the loudest one at the bench. He pushed us to the limit,” Burakovsky said. “Gabriel is the captain for a reason. He’s a true leader.”

Postgame, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar didn’t have an update regarding Landeskog playing Friday or not.

“I’m not going to say anything regarding our lineup or our injuries or goaltending,” he said. “I wish I could tell you, but it just doesn’t benefit us at this point.”

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