Hockey has always been a popular sport to watch for many avid sports fans. It combines the energy and thrills of a football game on an icy and chilly playing field. Despite the cold temperature, it is almost impossible for anyone watching a game to feel cold. The game can give you all the heat you need to stay warm. In hockey, the Stanley Cup serves as one of the most anticipated competitions. Only one team, the best, can take home the trophy.
This year, after a month-long of heated matches, close calls, and stiff competition, the Colorado Avalanche took home the Stanley Cup. This secures the team’s first Stanley Cup in 21 years. This also means that they were able to dethrone hockey powerhouse, the Tampa Bay Lightning. They were on a 2-year win streak and were eyeing the third one. The momentous game happened Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche was able to secure the Stanley Cup at game 6 with a score of 2-1.
A Quick Recap of The Colorado Avalanche vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Despite many years of not performing at peak, the Avalanche was able to win this year’s Stanley Cup. They beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6. With the help of a goal and swift assists from MacKinnon, the Avalanche scored the final point that led them to victory.
The Lightning started the series strong. They were able to maneuver around the arena and the Avalanche with ease. The team opted for a more aggressive approach from their usual defensive playstyle. Still, the tactic fell short when the Avalanche was able to score 2 more goals. It isn’t uncommon to see extended back and forth between the two teams.
Both teams were able to match their offenses and defenses as needed. The goalkeepers were able to defend their goals from opposing shots. This only contributed to the back and forth. It all paid off in the end as the Avalanche managed to score well-timed and aimed shots. This left the Tampa Bay Lighting very little room and time to retaliate.
The Challenges Faced by the Colorado Lighting
One of the biggest challenges that the Avalanche needed to overcome was finding a way to beat their opponents. Before their series even began, Colorado considered the match-up with Tampa exciting. The team couldn’t ask for a better opponent than the Tampa Bay Lightning as they have recently secured back-to-back wins in the Stanley Cup.
They were looking to complete the first three-peat since the 1980s. The Tampa Bay Lightning was consistent in the last 2 years. Despite ups and downs on the road, they were still able to secure their spot in the finals on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Captain Steven Stamkos was responsible for their win as he scored both goals during the game. The Tampa Bay Lighting is often seen as the team with the most significant amount of discipline and control. They play well on both the offensive and defensive.
The Top Scoring Players of the Colorado Avalanche
The 2021-22 Colorado Avalanche is called as the best team in the franchise’s history since 2000-01. Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar have set the new best records in the number of wins and points. Additionally, both teams tied out with the record for regulation victories, sitting at 46. Mikko Rantanen places at the top of the team with 75 games played and scoring 92 points with 36 goals in the season. Nathan MacKinnon follows with 65 games played with 88 points including 32 goals.
Overcoming Last Year’s Champions: The Tampa Bay Lightning
Despite the rough start in the season, the Colorado Avalanche remains a team that should not be underestimated. The team is an offensive powerhouse when it comes to playing hockey. Their ability to go on the offense at the start and keep that momentum is what makes them special. The Avalanche was able to win in the finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning as they were able to break through their tight defenses.
The team was capable of out-scoring them in any situation which proved to be essential in scoring goals against Tampa Bay. The team was able to rely on the skilled core to work through their competition and created the space they need to go into the offense. Coupled with their spread-out skills and versatility, the team is still able to defend well.
The Stanley Cup 2022 is a championship to remember. The series was full of excitement and possibilities. Regardless of the teams, hockey will always be a sport to look out for. The 2023 Stanley Cup will be as exciting.
If you want to remember when the Colorado Avalanche won their first Stanley Cup in 2 decades, you can visit here. Shop for your 2022 Stanley Cup Colorado Avalanche display cases to keep the memories alive.
Author: Michael Azif
Works at Sports Display Cases. Sports enthusiast of sports memorabilia and display cases.