Avalanche to Western Conference Finals at last, to battle McDavid, Oilers

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado forward Gabriel Landeskog finally gets a chance to play in the Western Conference Finals.

The Avalanche have advanced to the Stanley Cup semifinal for the first time since the 2001-02 season. Colorado beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 on Friday to win the best-of-seven series 4-2.

“We’ve been through some dark times together,” said Landeskog, who was drafted by Colorado in 2011. “Obviously, our team has changed a lot over the last few years and we’ve gotten better as a team. It’s rewarding to get over this hump but at the same time we’ve got a big goal in mind. I feel like the best is ahead.”

After three consecutive seasons in which the Avalanche lost in the second round, Colorado moves on to the third round in the postseason.

“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “This is an emotional time. I honestly don’t think about this for my career. I know how much the players wanted it. I’ve been with a lot of these guys for six years and some of them were here before me. I’ve had discussions with them. It’s hard to win. I hope the guys take a breath and get even better moving forward.”

The Avalanche, the No. 1 seed in the Central Division, will start at home against the No. 2 seed in the Pacific Division, the Edmonton Oilers. Game 1 will be played Tuesday.

Edmonton was 1-0-2 against Colorado during the regular season.

“We’re excited for the next challenge. The job is half done,” said J.T. Compher. “There’s plenty more for us to accomplish. There is more to go. It’s a crazy game, hockey. Everyone is chipping in.”

Colorado lost to the Detroit Red Wings in seven games in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, after winning the Stanley Cup the previous season. Colorado general