Nhl, Colorado lifts the Stanley Cup, batting Tampa Bay

It’s over: the Stanley Cup 2022 is from Colorado. The Avalanche, to close an unpredictable and contradictory series 4-2, in game-6 go back to the Amelie Arena, home of Tampa Bay. The final 2-1 (0-1, 2-0, 0-0), 30 shots to 23, says about the umpteenth match pulled. The Denver team, after having wasted the match-point of game-5, defeated 3-2 on friendly ice, won the third title in its history, to be added to the triumphs of 1996 (4-0 in Florida) and 2001 ( 4-3 to New Jersey defending champion). Instead, Tampa Bay sees the dream of becoming the first club to win three consecutive Stanley Cups after the New York Islanders of 1980-1983 vanish.

The budget

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Going down in history are the goals scored in the middle period by Nathan MacKinnon (at 1’54 “) and by Artturi Lehkonen (at 12’28”): they served first to equalize Steven Stamkos’ 1-0, scoring after 3’48 ”of play and then to sign the decisive draw. Vain, in the second part of the game, the repeated, but sterile attempts of the Lightning. Colorado closes the playoffs with an away record of nine wins and one defeat, with all four series concluded away from their audience. The celebratory parade through the streets of the city center scheduled for Thursday will be all the more hot. The total post-season count is thus 16-4: 4-0 in Nashville, 4-2 in St. Louis, 4-0 in Edmonton and, in fact, 4-2 in Tampa Bay. Not bad for those who haven’t even made it to the Conference Final since 2002.

Maker Mvp

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To receive the Cup from the hands of deputy commissioner Bill Daly was Gabriel Landskog, a 29-year-old Swedish winger, captain of the franchise for ten seasons. It then moved on to Erik Johnson, Denver’s longest-running player (12 leagues). Then it gradually fell to all the others, up to the defender Cale Maker who, 29 points (8 + 21) in 20 games, went to the Conn Smythe Trophy as a playoff MVP. At least a mention deserves Dercy Kuemper, in race-6 capable of 22 saves.

The motion

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“When the last siren sounded – said coach Jareb Bednar – I felt a sense of enormous relief. And of great satisfaction. I am extremely proud of what the boys have been able to do ”. Among the many decisive moves, the purchases at the limit of the deadline of the allowed terms of the defenders Josh Manson (from Anaheim), of the same Lehkonen (from Montreal) and of the forwards Andrew Cogliano (from San Jose) and Nico Sturm (from Minnesota). Even so, a winning project is finalized.