Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The Colorado Avalanche hosted the Dallas Stars for Game 3 of their first-round NHL playoff series at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on April 23, 2025. Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog returned

Gabriel Landeskog is back. The Colorado Avalanche captain hasn't played since the 2021-22 season due to issues with his right knee, but he'll return to the ice on Wednesday night in his team's Game 3 matchup in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars.