Stanley Cup Final: Nazem Kadri’s OT goal gives Avalanche a 3-1 series lead
2 years ago
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Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri shoots the puck past Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night in Tampa, Fla. Colorado has a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Friday in Denver. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli scores a goal against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) shoots the puck past Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) scores a goal against Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) celebrates his goal on Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli celebrates after scoring a goal against Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli celebrates after scoring a goal against Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) leads his teammates to the bench after scoring during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Pat Maroon, right, shoves Colorado Avalanche right wing Logan O’Connor (25) during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta checks Colorado Avalanche left wing J.T. Compher (37) in front of the net during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy blocks a shot during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Riley Nash (16) attempts a shot as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram defends during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Corey Perry falls in front of Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) as Kuemper blocks a shot during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar talks to his team during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram (4) controls the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) reaches in during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save in front of Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Nicholas Paul (20) during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) checks Colorado Avalanche right wing Logan O’Connor (25) during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche left wing J.T. Compher (37) is checked by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) stops a shot on goal during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Bowen Byram #4 of the Colorado Avalanche and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare #41 of the Tampa Bay Lightning battle for the puck during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper and Nathan MacKinnon, right, defend against Nicholas Paul of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Darren Helm #43 of the Colorado Avalanche is called for an interference penalty against Riley Nash #16 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends against Anthony Cirelli #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck in front of Corey Perry #10 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper makes a save during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy blocks a shot during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog takes a shot during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) reach for the puck during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog waits for a rebound as a puck shot by Nathan MacKinnon gets past Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for a goal during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96), center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) celebrate after the goal by teammate Gabriel Landeskog during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Colorado Avalanche celebrate the goal by center Nathan MacKinnon during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) collides with Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen shoots during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram shoots during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) shoots the puck past Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) and defenseman Victor Hedman (77) celebrate with fans after Hedman scored on Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, center, is congratulated by teammates after scoring on Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) is checked by Colorado Avalanche right wing Logan O’Connor during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) controls the puck next to Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) reaches for the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) defends during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper catches a shot by Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Pat Maroon (14) during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) checks Colorado Avalanche center Alex Newhook (18) during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Nicholas Paul (20) controls the puck next to Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) blocks a shot by Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) looks skywards as the Colorado Avalanche celebrate a goal by center Andrew Cogliano (11) during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Andrew Cogliano, right, of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with Nico Sturm after scoring a goal during the third period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche center Andrew Cogliano (11) reacts after scoring during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche center Andrew Cogliano (11) is congratulated by teammate Nico Sturm (78) after scoring during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche center Nico Sturm (78) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the third period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Corey Perry of the Tampa Bay Lightning reacts after Andrew Cogliano #11 of the Colorado Avalanche scores a goal during the third period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Riley Nash of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends against Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
A Tampa Bay Lightning fan waves a flag from the stands during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos looks on during overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) gloves a shot by Colorado Avalanche right wing Logan O’Connor (25) during overtime of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta (44) checks Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) during overtime of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos yells at linesman Kiel Murchison after getting tangled up with him during overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save during overtime against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri shoots the puck past Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night in Tampa, Fla. Colorado has a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Friday in Denver. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri scores a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning to win 3-2 in overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri shoots the puck past Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) for a goal during overtime of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri shoots the puck into the top of the goal past Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) for a goal during overtime of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) is congratulated by teammates after his overtime goal gave them a 3-2 victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night in Tampa, Fla. Colorado leads the best-of-seven series, 3-1. Game 5 is Friday night in Denver. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and teammates celebrate after Nazem Kadri (91) scores a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning to win 3-2 overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning to win 3-2 overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Darcy Kuemper and teammates celebrate after Nazem Kadri #91 scores a goal in overtime to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche center Andrew Cogliano, center, and defenseman Josh Manson (42) celebrate the overtime goal by teammate center Nazem Kadri (91) in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
The Colorado Avalanche celebrate the overtime goal of center Nazem Kadri in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning to win 3-2 overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Corey Perry of the Tampa Bay Lightning and teammates react after losing to the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning to win 3-2 overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer
TAMPA, Fla. — The Colorado Avalanche are on the brink of their first Stanley Cup title since 2001, thanks to Nazem Kadri’s overtime goal.
Even if the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning don’t believe it should have counted.
Kadri scored at 12:02 of the extra period to give Colorado a 3-2 victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final and move the Avalanche within a win of their first championship in more than two decades.
Without specifically saying Tampa Bay felt Colorado had too many men on the ice for the winning goal, Lightning coach Jon Cooper suggested the goal should not have been allowed.
“We’re all in this together. Players, coaches, refs, everybody. But this one is going to sting much more than others,” Cooper said.
“It’s going to be hard for me to speak. … I’ll speak with you (Thursday). You’re going to see what I mean when you see the winning goal,” Cooper added. “And my heart breaks for the players. Because we probably still should be playing.”
The NHL released a statement saying the penalty is a judgment call that can be made by the on-ice officials. Each of the four officials said they did not see a “too many men on the ice” situation on the winning play. The call is not subject to video review.
Back in the lineup after being sidelined since June 4 with a thumb injury, Kadri skated in on Andrei Vasilevskiy and slipped a shot under the goaltender’s right arm to give Colorado a 3-1 series lead.
“That was a huge win. A resilient win,” said Kadri, who had been sidelined since being injured during Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Edmonton.
“I’ve been waiting for this my whole life,” the Colorado center added. “I figured it was time to join the party.”
The Avalanche outshot the Lightning 11-3 in the extra period. Vasilevskiy stopped Logan O’Connor on a breakaway, and Colorado had a shot clang off the post and another hit the crossbar before Kadri ended it.
Game 5 is Friday night in Denver, where Colorado won the first two games of the series and is 7-2 this postseason.
Anthony Cirelli scored 36 seconds into the game and Victor Hedman also scored in regulation for the Lightning. They took a 2-1 lead into the third period.
Nathan MacKinnon scored on a second-period power play for Colorado, and Andrew Cogliano tied it early in the third.
Darcy Kuemper, pulled from Game 3 after giving up five goals in a 6-2 loss, stopped 37 shots and had an assist on the winning goal for the Avalanche.
Vasilevskiy finished with 35 saves. He has rebounded from allowing 11 goals in Games 1 and 2 to limit the high-scoring Avalanche to five the past two games.
Tampa Bay is trying to become the first team to win at least three straight Stanley Cup titles since the New York Islanders won four in a row from 1980-83. The Avalanche last hoisted the Cup in 2001.
The Lightning have rebounded from playing poorly in Games 1 and 2 to make it interesting by neutralizing Colorado’s speed, limiting the Avalanche’s scoring opportunities and turning up the pressure on Kuemper, who was barely tested when he faced just 16 shots in a 7-0 blowout in Game 2.
Cirelli’s goal was the fastest in a Stanley Cup Final since 2006, and the Lightning set the tone for another busy night for Kuemper by outshooting the Avalanche 17-4 in the opening period. Two of Colorado’s shots came while skating short-handed, killing off Tampa Bay’s first power play of the night.
MacKinnon’s first goal of the series – but his 12th of the playoffs – erased Colorado’s early deficit at 5:17 of the second period. The Avalanche pulled even again when Cogliano, assisted by Nico Sturm and Darren Helm, scored on a deflection less than three minutes into the third.
INJURIES
Kadri returned to the lineup after missing four games. He had been out since injuring his thumb when he was boarded by Evander Kane in Game 3 of Colorado’s sweep of Edmonton in the Western Conference final.
Kane received a major penalty and was suspended a game.
HELPING HANDS
Mikko Rantanen and Cale Maker assisted on MacKinnon’s goal, giving both of them 20 this postseason – a franchise record for a single playoff year. Peter Stastny had 19 with Quebec in 1985.
