The Colorado Avalanche are atop the mountain in the NHL for the third time in the club's history.Artturi Lehkonen scored the go-ahead goal with 7:32 remaining in the second period to lift the Avalanche to a 2-1 victory over the host Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final.Colorado, who also won the title in 1996 and 2001, denied Tampa Bay's bid of completing a three-peat as Stanley Cup champion.Nathan MacKinnon collected a goal and an assist and Darcy Kuemper made 22 saves for the Avalanche, who set a franchise record with nine road wins in a play-off year.
Six clubs share the NHL record of 10 road victories."Disbelief. It's crazy," MacKinnon said. "I can't wait to hug my family.
Geez, it's hard to describe. I didn't really know what it would feel like to actually win it, but just seeing all these warriors battle, it just feels unbelievable.
Words can't describe how I feel right now."Reigning Norris Trophy recipient Cale Makar (eight goals, 21 assists) was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the MVP of the playoffs.