Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostCans stacked up to look like the Stanley Cup sit in front of a large Jumbotron at the ViewHouse Ballpark in Denver on June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning are 3-2 going into Sunday night's Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostFriends Carly Whiteside, Bailey Alberts, third from left, and Kiersten Johnson, fourth from left, yell the ending of the Stanley Cup prayer prior to the Avalanche watch party outside Ball Arena before Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche are looking to clinch the Stanley Cup with a win on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans Matt Dinsmore, center, and Easton Verduzco place their hats and hands over their hearts during the singing of the national anthem at the start of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at ViewHouse Ballpark on June 26, 2022 in Denver. The Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning are 3-2 going into Game 6.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNazem Kadri (91)Bowen Byram (4) and Darcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche vie for control against Riley Nash (16) and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (41) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) go after the puck in the first period during Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJosh Manson (42) of the Colorado Avalanche checks Brandon Hagel (38) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning tends the net against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche versus the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostFans scream for Avalanche t-shirts to be thrown into the crowd at a watch party in Ball Arena during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Colorado Avalanche play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa Bay on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarren Helm (43) of the Colorado Avalanche hits the skids as Mikhail Sergachev (98) of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nikita Kucherov (86) defend during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostTampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) and Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) in the first period during Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostAvalanche fans Libby Booton, left, and Blake Watters, right, of Englewood cheer on the team at a watch party in Ball Arena in Denver during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Avalanche play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa Bay on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) collide at the blue line in the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostSteven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his 1-0 goal on Darcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostTampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) with Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) in the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche reacts to giving up a 1-0 goal to Steven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans Hannah Walker, second from right, watches game action against the Tampa Bay Lightning intently with Justin Lindquist, right, during Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Jackson's Sports Bar in Denver on June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar works the bench against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostArtturi Lehkonen (62) of the Colorado Avalanche handles as Ondrej Palat (18) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning stops a shot by Nathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarren Helm (43) of the Colorado Avalanche clears the puck as Ondrej Palat (18) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche and Bowen Byram (4) defend Brandon Hagel (38) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostTampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) and Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) crash the boards in the first period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29), left, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) and Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) celebrate MacKinnon’s goal against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) in the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans, from left to right, Hannah Walker, Justin Lindquist, Marco Rodriguez, Jayme Munsterman and Quentin Randazzo, react to a goal in the second period as they watch Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Jackson's Sports Bar in Denver on June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning were 3-2 going into Game 6.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostSteven Stamkos (91) of the Tampa Bay Lightning takes a shot at Bowen Byram (4) of the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostBowen Byram (4) and Gabriel Landeskog (92) of the Colorado Avalanche sandwich Riley Nash (16) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGabriel Landeskog (92) of the Colorado Avalanche skates ahead of Ondrej Palat (18) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche makes a save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fan Kyle Woolley chants and tries to rally the crowd as they watch Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Jackson's LODO in Denver on June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning are 3-2 going into Game 6.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostReferee Gord Dwyer (19) gives an assist to Nathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche as he pins Alex Killorn (17) of the Tampa Bay Lightning on the boards during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche loses his footing against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save as Mikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche pressures during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostErik Cernak (81) of the Tampa Bay Lightning takes a shot at Josh Manson (42) of the Colorado Avalanche after a 2-1 goal by Artturi Lehkonen (62) during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostVictor Hedman (77) of the Tampa Bay Lightning catches the puck as Logan O'Connor (25) of the Colorado Avalanche defends during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostFans celebrate the second Avalanche goal of the game sent in by Artturi Lehkonen (62) of the Colorado Avalanche at a watch party in Denver's Ball Arena during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Avalanche take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Florida on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostErik Cernak (81) of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Mikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche vie for position during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostRyan McDonagh (27) of the Tampa Bay Lightning is sent to the box against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche operates as Mikhail Sergachev (98) of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) shoots and scores a goal on Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) in the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) defends on the play.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) celebrates his goal against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) in the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche fans celebrate at Jackson's Sports Bar in Denver as the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup after clinching Game 6 on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 to take home the Stanley Cup.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning reacts to a 2-1 goal by Artturi Lehkonen (62) of the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) celebrates his goal against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) with Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) in the second period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche makes a save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win to capture the Stanley Cup title at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostA pensive fan watches the last few minutes of the Avalanche game at a watch party in Ball Arena during the third period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa Bay on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup with a final score of 2-1 over Tampa Bay.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche defends Ondrej Palat (18) of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win to capture the Stanley Cup title at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDevon Toews (7) of the Colorado Avalanche speaks with Artturi Lehkonen (62) during the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning to capture the Stanley Cup title at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrei Vasilevskiy (88) of the Tampa Bay Lightning tends the net against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win to capture the Stanley Cup title at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostThe crowd erupts into celebration as the clock ran to zero at a watch party in Ball Arena during the third period of Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa Bay on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup with a final score of 2-1 over Tampa Bay.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMikko Rantanen (96) of the Colorado Avalanche leads his team onto the ice in celebration after the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win to capture the Stanley Cup title at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDarcy Kuemper (35) of the Colorado Avalanche jumps into the arms of Jack Johnson (3) after the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win to capture the Stanley Cup title at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Eric Lutzens, The Denver PostFans celebrate as they watch the big screen at a watch party in Ball Arena after Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa Bay on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup with a final score of 2-1 over Tampa Bay.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche and Erik Johnson (6) celebrate after the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) get congratulated by his teammates after it was announced the he won the Conn Smythe Trophy after winning game six of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals and the Stanley Cup at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche accepts the Conn Smythe Trophy after the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAndrew Cogliano (11) of the Colorado Avalanche hoists the Stanley Cup as teammates erupt after the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lighting 2-1 in game six of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) hands the Stanley Cup over to Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in game six of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNathan MacKinnon (29) of the Colorado Avalanche and Gabriel Landeskog (92) embrace after the third period of Colorado’s 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Avalanche defeated the lightning 4-2 in the best-of-seven series to clinch the third Stanley Cup title in franchise history.
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lighting 2-1 in game six of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena June 26, 2022. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
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Cans stacked up to look like the Stanley Cup sit in front of a large Jumbotron at the ViewHouse Ballpark in Denver on June 26, 2022. The Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning are 3-2 going into Sunday night's Game 6 of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Finals.
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By Andy Cross | across@denverpost.com | The Denver Post, AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post, Helen H. Richardson | hrichardson@denverpost.com | The Denver Post and Eric Lutzens | The Denver Post
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Getting your player ready...
The Avalanche completed its journey to the top of the hockey world Sunday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 21 years.
The Avalanche, which won the series in six games and dethroned the two-time defending champion Lighting, completed a tour de force postseason. It never trailed in any of its four series, never dropped consecutive games and went 16-4.
