Avs' Landeskog returns for crucial game vs. Coyotes

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog was back in the lineup Friday against the Arizona Coyotes after missing nine games with an upper-body injury, the team announced.

Landeskog was originally given a four-to-six-week timetable on March 8.

The Avalanche hold the Western Conference's second wild-card spot, with the Coyotes just two points behind.

Landeskog was playing his best hockey prior to the injury, tallying 33 goals and 69 points - both career highs - in 68 games.