Gabriel Landeskog will play his first Stanley Cup final.
Then the teammates barely get a word out when they pay tribute to him.
– We would not have been here today without him, says the big star Nathan MacKinnon.
It has not always been a dance for roses for Gabriel Landeskog in Colorado. He has been team captain since he was 19 years old, but the results have been up and down to say the least – but now there is every reason to celebrate, both for Landeskog and Avalanche.
The gigantic tributes
Colorado is in its first Stanley Cup final in 21 years, and the tributes to the Swedish team captain never want to end. Landeskog is one of the best two-way forwards in the entire NHL, and his hard work is loved by all teammates and fans. But Landeskog has also contributed a lot of points in the playoffs, and few players in the NHL are as popular as Landeskog is right now.
Legendary Joe Sakic was involved in winning two Stanley Cups with Colorado as a player, and is now general manager of the club. For just one year, Landeskog had an expiring contract, but after long negotiations, the Swede remained.
– Both sides are very happy that it was an extension, and he must end his career here now. That’s just the way it should be, Sakic tells Sportsnet, and continues:
– It’s easy to see what he’s doing on the ice. He is a winner who does everything for his teammates. He is a cruel player, and in the locker room he does everything to make everyone feel good. He is a fantastic role model.
“Would not have been here without him”
Cale Makar is perhaps the NHL’s best defender, and has dominated in the playoffs. He also praises Landeskog.
– He speaks at just the right moment when we need him. But at the same time, he does just the right things on the ice every night, with the same physical strength, and is so good in both directions. A fantastic, versatile captain, he says.
Nathan MacKinnon, one of the NHL’s biggest stars, agrees.
– We would not have been in this final if he was not here, that’s for sure. It would have left a big hole in our team, in the locker room and on the ice. He is a special person and a fantastic player, he says, and continues:
– He’s selfless. He always thinks of others, and always helps others. A warrior. He fights, covers shots and is generally good to his teammates. He became captain when he was 19 for a reason. His leadership skills are obvious, and we are happy to have him on our team.
READ MORE: NHL stars put their foot down and make almighty demands: Now (!) Daniel Alfredsson must enter the Hall of Fame