Avalanche Shut Out Stars 4-0, Landeskog Scores After Long Absence

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Dallas Stars 4-0 in Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round on Saturday at Ball Arena. Gabriel Landeskog scored his first goal in nearly three years, making the victory even sweeter for the Avalanche and their fans.

“I’ve envisioned scoring again for a long time, and there were days I didn’t know if I would ever get to score again,” Landeskog said. He scored his goal on a slap shot from just inside the left circle at 13:10 of the second period, increasing the Avalanche’s lead to 3-0. He also recorded an assist in the game.

Landeskog, who returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for almost three years, last scored in June 2022 during the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. “It was more than just a playoff goal. I think it was a life goal,” said Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon. “We missed him. There was a big hole in our room for three years.”

Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 23 saves, earning his first career playoff shutout. Colorado is the No. 3 seed from the Central Division and tied the best-of-seven series at two games each with this win.

Jared Bednar, the Avalanche coach, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “I like the way we’ve played in this series,” he said. “I’m not going to be happy unless we’re winning hockey games, but I like a lot of the things we’re doing.”

The Stars, who are the No. 2 seed from the Central Division, saw goaltender Jake Oettinger pulled after allowing three goals on 34 shots. Dallas coach Pete DeBoer clarified the decision, stating it was to give Oettinger rest ahead of Game 5 on Monday.

Colorado scored the first goal short-handed when Ben O’Connor netted a wrist shot from the left circle at 12:39 of the first period. The Avalanche extended their lead when MacKinnon scored on a power play with 24 seconds left in the first period.

The Avalanche continued to press their advantage, scoring the final goal at 10:46 of the third when Devon Toews found the net. “We have to utilize our home-ice advantage,” said MacKinnon.

Game 5 is set for Monday in Dallas at 9:30 p.m. ET.