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Avalanche On The Verge Of Hockey's Pinnacle |
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The Colorado Avalanche are on the verge of NHL greatness. One win is all that separates them from reaching their first Stanley Cup in more than two decades.
If the last three games indicate what's to come, it should be a wild finish. Since a back and forth opening game, the 'Avs have experienced the good, the bad, and the controversial. These three components make up this group's championship DNA.
In game two the Avalanche thumped the Tampa Bay Lightning into near submission. Seemingly buried in an 0-2 hole, the two-time Stanley Cup champions were left cut, staggering, and up against the rope. Only a well-timed bell could save them now.
*Ding Ding*
Saved by the proverbial bell and a return to Amalie Arena. Tampa rose up off the mat and punched back harder in game three and suddenly Colorado's control of the series was gone. The Lightning did it to Toronto, they did it to New York and Colorado was destined to be the next victim. Tampa in 6 didn't seem so far-fetched after all.
In between games three and four, Cale Makar was named as the 2021-22 James Norris Memorial Trophy winner. The first time in Avalanche history. Suddenly, the hockey gods were smiling on the 'Avs again and it showed in game four.
That game featured another healthy pushback by Tampa. The champs led 1-0 less than a minute into the game and it felt like groundhogs days all over again. Colorado countered with a lucky Nathan Mackinnon goal off his skate - a sign of things to come.
Tampa responded again to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. Colorado countered with another lucky break in the final frame. Nico Sturm's shot bounced off Andrew Cogliano and in. But, by this time the ice was already tilting in the 'Avs favor.
Once the game headed to OT and it was only a matter of time for Colorado. They controlled most of the play in extra time. Them Nazem Kadri back off the mat himself skated in on Andrei Vasilevskiy and beat the all-world goalie with a snapshot that snuck up and in. There was some confusion before it was determined the puck was in and the game was over.
Crisis averted.
But, wait!
Controversy followed. The 'Avs had six skaters on the ice when the puck went it. It was missed and the game was over. Tampa coach Jon Coop was too livid to even speak after the game.
That's hockey.
The six skaters didn't affect the play and even P.K. Subban on ESPN agreed the goal was a good one. A little skill. A little grit. And a lot of luck has the 'Avs of the precipice of greatness.
What will happen next?
Seems like only the hockey gods truly know.
Thanks for reading,
Steve
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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