Colorado Avalanche wins Stanley Cup for first time in 21 years after beating Tampa Bay

“Discover a means.” That is what the Colorado Avalanche mentioned all through the playoffs. On Sunday night time, they did.

What to know: The Avalanche received the Stanley Cup — the best trophy in professional sports activities — with a 2-1 victory on the highway in opposition to the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

• In a sport of fortunate and luckless bounces, they made us sweat, taking it to Sport 6.
• Nonetheless, Mac hit full throttle. Artturi fired like an murderer. Landy was the rock. Kuemper redeemed himself. And Child Cale dazzled and defended.
• One dynasty fell to the following.

The massive image: The Avalanche hadn’t received a Cup in additional than 20 years, with the earlier two coming in 2001 and 1996.

Why it issues: Simply once we wanted it most, the Avs delivered for Denver, a proud, sports-loving city experiencing a significant championship drought because the Broncos received the Tremendous Bowl in 2015.

BFD: Three hockey titles, at three ranges, in a single 12 months for one metropolis.

What’s extra: Town rallied across the Avs like by no means earlier than.

This week, nonetheless, the streets have been awash with burgundy and blue. The staff’s signature colours even splashed the DIA flight boards to greet vacationers.

• Hundreds upon hundreds watched inside Ball Area.

What they’re saying: In 2021, the Avs received the Presidents’ Trophy for the very best NHL report and appeared destined for a title, however fizzled within the second spherical.

So this one meant so much.

• “It has been nearly 10 years since Denver’s had a championship, and 20 years because the Avs have received,” fan Brian Henry mentioned on his approach to a sport.
• “So everybody needs one thing to convey us collectively.”

The underside line: Nothing good comes straightforward, however this win is one we will all relish after a couple of no-good years.