Denver, Colo. - With the series split at 1, round one of the Stanley Cup Finals has finally arrived at Ball Arena. The Colorado Avalanche are back home to host the Dallas Stars for Game 3.

Today's big news centers around Captain Gabe Landeskog, who was one of the first out on the ice on Wednesday for morning skate. Instead of the blue practice sweater he normally wears, he sported a burgundy sweater for special teams work, which players on the second power play unit normally wear. 

This morning on Altitude Sports Radio, Bednar gave the closest thing to an affirmative answer, the most affirmative he's ever given, in response to a question regarding Landeskog's return: "There's a good chance he's gonna play tonight."

Miles Wood and Jimmy Vesey stayed out late on the ice, as most healthy scratches do during morning skates, so all signs are pointing to Landeskog's official return to the NHL on Wednesday night.

It would be amazing for us, for the fans, but especially for him. He's been through the most out of anybody. He knows exactly what he went through. He knows all the battles that he faced, the ups and downs, and the emotional, physical battles that he went through...It's [probably] been a while since he felt okay on the ice and actually be around the team, and feel like there is a chance that he could come back, so it probably shifts his mood a little bit, but also, you realize you can't take it for granted.

- Josh Manson (D) on a potential Landeskog return

Landeskog skated for warmups before Game 2 in Dallas, but did not play. Likely no confirmation on his place, or lack thereof, in the lineup until after warmups. 

Avalanche Lineup Today Features Big Changes It’s time to put it all on the line.

This return in front of the home crowd could provide just the boost this Avalanche team needs to regain the upper hand on this series.

Roster Updates

Mackenzie Blackwood occupied the starter's crease during morning skate, indicating that he'll likely go again for the third straight game for the Avalanche.

Sam Malinski (healthy scratch for Games 1 and 2) also skated with Ryan Lindgren today, while Erik Johnson took rushes with Keaton Middleton, who's been a healthy scratch for the last two games. Could see a bit of a shakeup on the blueline pairings, but likely won't get any confirmation on official lineup changes until or after warmups.

On Dallas's side of things, Head Coach Pete DeBoer confirmed that Jake Oettinger will start again for the Stars and there will be no changes to the lineup from Game 2. This also means that Miro Heiskanen will not return in Game 3, despite his involvement in special teams work during morning skate on Wednesday. 

Where/How to Find the Game:

Puck drop: 7:52 pm MT

T.V. Broadcast: ESPN, SN360, TVAS 2, Altitude (Colorado), Victory + (Dallas)

Radio Broadcast: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 (Colorado), Sportsradio The Ticket 96.7 (Dallas)