Avalanche Briefs: Pre-Game 1 preparation ends with rare off-day practice

Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) sets up for a face off against the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at Ball Arena May 13, 2021.Sunday was a rarity for the Avalanche: An actual full-squad, off-day practice.

The Avalanche will enter Monday’s Game 1 against St. Louis with three days of rest for only the second time this season (non-COVID-19-related) — Jan. 16-18 and Feb. 17-19.

Coach Jared Bednar gave the players off Friday and ran an optional skate Saturday.

During the regular season, the Avalanche played 56 games in 121 days.

“There hasn’t been a whole lot of practice all year, really,” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said. “It’s been morning skates, play and then optional…