The Lightning jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, thanks to a goal from Captain Steven Stamkos. However, the Avalanche took over the game from there. Colorado dominated the second period and was rewarded with goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen. The Avs took a 2-1 lead into the locker room and shut down the Lightning from there.
The end came on the wings of an unrelenting forecheck that hounded the Lightning in their own end. Tampa only managed four shots in the 3rd with their season on the line.
You can see the frustration from Tampa's goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy below as he makes his way to the dressing room.
The Lightning won 11 straight playoff series, which is a monumental feat when you consider the restraints that the salary cap, free agency, expansion draft, and pandemic have placed on teams in recent years. They still have a super talented roster that will continue to be at the top of the Eastern Conference for many years to come.
POLL | ||
JUIN 27 | 650 ANSWERS Andrei Vasilevskiy is furious throwing and kicking things after the final whistle How many more years is Tampa's Cup Window? | ||
Three to Five Vasilevskiy is only 27 | 165 | 25.4 % |
Two to Three | 226 | 34.8 % |
Five or More | 39 | 6 % |
No more in this Window | 220 | 33.8 % |
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