The Colorado Avalanche are headed into the Western Conference Finals after another strong run at the playoffs, but captain Gabriel Landeskog only views it as a step towards bigger things.

After advancing past the Minnesota Wild, Landeskog stressed that the big task is yet to come. Despite being one of the strongest teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Avalanche intend to avoid any complacency.

Landeskog has been one of the biggest forces behind Colorado's postseason brilliance. The winger returned from a groin surgery in March and immediately slotted back into the team.

Ahead of facing the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, Landeskog spoke to the media. Fresh off a practice session, the Swede acknowledged his team's playoff performances and journey.

“Yeah. I mean, listen, it’s a step. It’s a part of the process.”, he said. “It’s not easy to win a round, period, in this league, and not easy making the playoffs, not easy winning a round, let alone two.”

The Avalanche have run through their postseason opponents. Despite their form leading up to the finals, Landeskog insists there's more to come and remains focused.

“But we’ve got bigger goals and dreams than this,” he said.

On the cusp of reaching their first Stanley Cup Final since 2022, the Avalanche captain knows what's at stake. Notably, the current roster features 11 players who have won the tropy, nine of whom played for Colorado’s 2022 winning squad.

While Landeskog and Colorado know the task at hand, their opponents might pose a tougher challenge than they have faced until now.

Can Colorado Avalanche dominate Vegas Golden Knights?

The Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round and then beat the Minnesota Wild in five games in the second.

In addition to dominating matches, the team has shown grit in the face of adversity. This was apparent in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. The Avalanche were down 3-0 after the very first period but roared back to win in overtime. 

Center Nathan MacKinnon played a key role by leveling the game late in the third period. He added to his impressive postseason tally of 13 points in nine games.

Defenseman Brett Kulak found his scoring touch in extra time and sealed Colorado's place in the Western Conference Finals. Awaiting them are the Vegas Golden Knights, making their fifth conference finals in nine seasons.

The team has qualified for playoffs for four consecutive seasons, having clinched its first Stanley Cup in 2023. Simply put, the Avalanche may take a more cautious approach against Vegas.

If nothing else, Colorado might recall its second-round loss to the Golden Knights in 2021. The team led 2-0 before famously losing four consecutive games and exiting the playoffs.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Sijo Paul