Landeskog's Absence Looms Over Avalanche's Season
Captain's Return Remains Uncertain
With Landeskog sidelined, the Avalanche must adjust and find a way to maintain their winning ways.
The Colorado Avalanche are off to a 50-25-7 start, good for 107 points and third place in the NHL's Central Division. However, the team has been without their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played since suffering a lower-body injury on March 14.
Landeskog is the Avalanche's leading scorer with 22 goals and 52 points in 53 games this season. He is also a key leader and voice in the locker room. His absence has been a major blow to the team.
In Landeskog's absence, the Avalanche have been led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. MacKinnon is second on the team in scoring with 21 goals and 51 points in 54 games. Rantanen is third with 19 goals and 47 points in 54 games.
The Avalanche have also gotten contributions from their depth players. J.T. Compher, Valeri Nichushkin, and Andrew Cogliano have all been solid contributors. However, the team has missed Landeskog's leadership and scoring ability.
The Avalanche are hoping to get Landeskog back in the lineup soon. However, there is no timetable for his return. In the meantime, the team will have to continue to adjust and find a way to maintain their winning ways.
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