It was always the Avalanche.
Colorado entered the Stanley Cup playoffs as a clear favorite to hoist the cup and that’s exactly what it did Sunday night in Tampa after dispatching the two-time defending champions in six games. The victory ended a two-decade long championship drought for the franchise, and the run, during which they lost just four games across four rounds, could hardly have been more dominant.
Keep reading to find out how the Avalanche finally broke through and for a look ahead to the fast-approaching NFL season.
Avalanche Cap Off Stanley Cup Run in Tampa
The Lightning struck first in the decisive Game 6 when Steven Stamkos netted an early goal in their quest to force a Game 7.