Avalanche sweep Oilers, reach Stanley Cup Final after OT thriller

For the first time since winning it all in 2001, the Colorado Avalanche are headed to the Stanley Cup Final. The Avalanche made it this far by completing a sweep of the Oilers, but not before a hard-fought Game 4 win: 6-5 in overtime.

Much of this game played out like fans would have dreamed. Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, and others proved why they’re top stars.

Yet, it takes your supporting cast members, too. After sending the Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final with a game-winner, Arturri Lehkonen punched Colorado’s ticket this time around.

That overtime goal survived a high-stick review:

Lehkonen with the game-winner to send the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Final. After review, it's deemed a good goal. The Oilers season is over. pic.twitter.com/ICcOCwLGGS

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) June 7, 2022

In what’s becoming a growing theme, Cale Makar arguably ended up the most impressive. Makar collected five points (1G, 4A). Makar’s last assist of the night was on that Lehkonen OT-winner.

(Lehkonen did more than score that OTGWG, as he also collected two assists.)

After a busy first period, the Avs built a 1-0 lead. Cale Makar began what would be an impressive performance with a power-play goal.

Those waiting for a big Oilers push got what they hoped for in the second period. Edmonton scored all three goals during that middle frame, with goals from Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Connor McDavid (PPG).

Considering Edmonton’s 3-1 edge, you’d think the Avalanche would push, and the Oilers would survive. Instead, both the Oilers and the Avalanche just keep trading blows in the last 20 minutes of regulation.

Just 31 seconds into the third, Devon Toews made it 3-2. Before the four-minute mark,