Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog returns from suspension, Jonas Johansson to make season debut at Florida Panthers

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A ref tries to separate Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92), left, and Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson (90) late in the third period after Landeskog hit Chicago Blackhawks center Kirby Dach (77), right, sending him into the boards late in the third period at Ball Arena Oct. 13, 2021. Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) fight join the scrum along the boards.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog will make his return to the lineup Thursday night against the Florida Panthers after serving a two-game suspension for boarding Chicago’s Kirby Dach in last week’s season opener.

Colorado (1-2) is giving the start in net to Jonas Johansson, who will make his season debut. He will be backed up by Darcy Kuemper.

Landeskog was on his familiar line during the morning skate at FLA Live Arena, playing left wing with center Nathan MacKinnon and right wing Mikko Rantanen.

Colorado went 0-2 in Landeskog’s absence.

“We’ve got another level to get to as a team,” Landeskog said. “There’s a lot of things we can get better at as a team. As a group, we just haven’t found the level of play we need to be at. We end up playing from behind quite a bit. Obviously, that’s something we’re going to have to correct and have some better starts.”

Landeskog, 28, was issued his fourth suspension since entering the league at age 18. Watching the Avs play during those times has been painful.

“You feel helpless and you feel like you let your team down,” Landeskog said. “Whether you’re out with injury or suspension or whatever it is, you always want to be out there battling with the guys. It is what it is. I’m back now. And I’m excited.”

Landeskog declined to respond to a question about the hit on Dach, which occurred when the Blackhawks forward was on one knee and in a vulnerable position near the side boards.

“It is what it is. I’ll save my opinion for another day,” Landeskog said.

Avalanche probable lineup at Florida:

Forwards —

Gabe Landeskog-Nathan MacKinnon-Mikko Rantanen

Mikhail Maltsev-Nazem Kadri-Andre Burakovsky

Sampo Ranta-J.T. Compher-Martin Kaut

Tyson Jost-Darren Helm-Logan O’Connor

Defensemen —

Sam Girard-Cale Makar

Bo Byram-Erik Johnson

Jack Johnson-Ryan Murray

Goaltenders

Jonas Johansson

Darcy Kuemper

Scratches: F Jayson Megna, D Kurtis MacDermid, D Devon Toews (injured reserve)

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