Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans cheer as they watch the action against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Denver's Auraria Campus on June 24, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche narrowly misses a shot as Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJan Rutta (44) of the Tampa Bay Lightning floors Nazem Kadri (91) of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck with pressure from Brandon Hagel (38) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche tends the net against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostLogan O'Connor (25) of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck with pressure from Erik Cernak (81) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostLogan O'Connor (25) of the Colorado Avalanche handles the puck as Erik Cernak (81) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche gets the puck past Ryan McDonagh (27) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJan Rutta (44) of the Tampa Bay Lightning jabs Valeri Nichushkin (13) of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGabriel Landeskog (92) of the Colorado Avalanche handles from his knees after being checked by Nicholas Paul (20) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche checks Jan Rutta (44) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostBrian Roitnan, 20, a fan of Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche, cheers as the Avalanche play the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostValeri Nichushkin (13) of the Colorado Avalanche breaks the ankles of Anthony Cirelli (71) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNazem Kadri (91) of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against Nicholas Paul (20) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans sit at a watch party at Denver's Auraria Campus after a second period goal by the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals on June 24, 2022 in Denver.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostSteven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning penalizes Nathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche as Victor Hedman (77) of the Tampa Bay Lightning assists during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche goes down in the zone during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Colorado Avalanche play against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche gets tripped up over Steven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJan Rutta (44) of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his 1-0 goal against the Colorado Avalanche with teammate Corey Perry (10) during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fan Ashland Kruse, center, watches closely as the Avalanche take on the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Denver on June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche attempts an acrobatic shot as Nicholas Paul (20) of the Tampa Bay Lightning checks him to the ice during the first period of Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostJosh Manson (42) of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck with pressure from Steven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche sends the puck through the legs of goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning and misses the net during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Kathryn Scott, Special to The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans at McGregor Square watch as the team misses a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Denver on June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche gets tripped up over Steven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning is hit in the head with the puck from a shot by Nathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche lies on the ice after being deadlocked and slammed by Pat Maroon (14) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPat Maroon (14) of the Tampa Bay Lightning headlocks Nathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche looks for a call against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans question a call by the referees as they watch the action against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at a Colorado Avalanche watch party on the Tivoli Quad at Auraria in Denver on June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNazem Kadri (91) of the Colorado Avalanche shoots on Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Anthony Cirelli (71) of the Tampa Bay Lightning passes from his belly as Mikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche defends during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostNikita Kucherov (86) of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores a goal against Darcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostThe Colorado Avalanche react to a 2-1 goal by Nikita Kucherov (86) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostEven a double rainbow couldn't put smiles on the faces of Colorado Avalanche fans Zach Vlaanderen, right, and Tiffany Schwenck as the Colorado Avalanche fall behind to the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals on June 24, 2022. The pair had joined other fans for a watch party on the Tivoli Quad at Denver's Auraria Campus. The Colorado Avalanche fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJan Rutta (44) and Nicholas Paul (20) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defend Mikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche remains on the ice while Pat Maroon (14) of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks over during the second period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostMikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche and Alex Newhook (18) of the Colorado Avalanche look to pick up and clear a loose puck in front of the net during the second period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Avalanche play against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche defends the net as Corey Perry (10) of the Tampa Bay Lightning pressures during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostValeri Nichushkin (13) of the Colorado Avalanche scores against Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostValeri Nichushkin (13) of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates his 1-1 goal with teammates Devon Toews (7), Cale Makar (8), Gabriel Landeskog (92) and Nathan MacKinnon (29) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostMikko Rantanen (96), Devon Toews (7) and Darcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche group up in the goal as the Avalanche play the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostArtturi Lehkonen (62) of the Colorado Avalanche and Zach Bogosian (24) of the Tampa Bay Lightning crash into the wall during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostSamantha Zwickey, 36, celebrates a Colorado Avalanche goal against Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostThe puck sits in the net past Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning on a shot from Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche for the second Avalanche goal of the game during the third period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostCale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates the second Avalanche goal of the game with Gabriel Landeskog (92) of the Colorado Avalanche and Valeri Nichushkin (13) of the Colorado Avalanche as Ryan McDonagh (27) of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates by during the third period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche defends Zach Bogosian (24) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDevon Toews (7) of the Colorado Avalanche slaps an airborne puck away from Brandon Hagel (38) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche cheer against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022. Game 6 will be played in Florida, with Colorado leading the series 3-2.
- Kathryn Scott, Special to The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fan Kevin Kilroy pauses hoping for a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning late in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals on June 24, 2022 in Denver.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostGoaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends the net against Artturi Lehkonen (62) of the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Andy Cross, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche fights for the puck with Ryan McDonagh (27) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Game 5 in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostZach Bogosian (24) of the Tampa Bay Lightning crashes into the wall as Nico Sturm (78) of the Colorado Avalanche struggles for control of the puck in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche gives up a game-winning goal to Ondrej Palat (18) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans watch as the Colorado Avalanche lose to Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Denver's Auraria Campus on June 24, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 making the series 3-2 with the Avalanche ahead by one game. Game 6 will be in Tampa Bay on Sunday night.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostOndrej Palat (18) of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his game-winning goal with Steven Stamkos (91) against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostTampa Bay Lightning celebrate after Ondrej Palat (18) scores the game-winning goal against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends the net against the attack of Valeri Nichushkin (13) and Darren Helm (43) of the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win ion Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Jintak Han, The Denver PostBowen Byram (4) of the Colorado Avalanche and Nicholas Paul (20) of the Tampa Bay Lightning fall on the ice in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Friday, June 24, 2022.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGabriel Landeskog (92) of the Colorado Avalanche defends Ryan McDonagh (27) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche versus the Tampa Bay Lightning for game five of the Stanley Cup Finals, which heads back to Florida for game six with Colorado leading 3-2.
- AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostErik Johnson (6) of the Colorado Avalanche speaks to Mikko Rantanen (96) as Nazem Kadri (91) prepares for a drop against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Tampa Bay鈥檚 3-2 win in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, June 24, 2022.
- Kathryn Scott, Special to The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans at McGregor Square watch as the clock runs out against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Denver on June 24, 2022.
- Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans from left to right Emma Hindman, Grace Carlson, Ashland Kruse, center, Sophia Curtis and Will Cada, right, watch as the Colorado Avalanche lose to Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals on June 24, 2022. The group were attending a watch party at Denver's Auraria Campus.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
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Colorado Avalanche fans cheer as they watch the action against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Denver's Auraria Campus on June 24, 2022.
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By Andy Cross | across@denverpost.com | The Denver Post, AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post, Jintak Han | jhan@denverpost.com and Helen H. Richardson | hrichardson@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
One win from its first championship in 21 years, the Avalanche couldn鈥檛 close out the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning, falling 3-2 in Game 5 Friday night at Ball Arena in Denver on winger Ondrej Palat抖阴ap goal with 6:22 remaining.
The Avs lead the series 3-2 and head back to Tampa Bay for Game 6 on Sunday.
鈥淚t抖阴ap not supposed to be easy and it抖阴ap not going to be easy and we knew that coming into (the playoffs) and coming into (Friday),鈥� Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said.
