Colorado Avalanche beat two-time defending champs to win Stanley Cup in Tampa

The Avalanche captured the National Hockey League's best-of-seven championship series four games to two for Colorado's third NHL crown after 1996 and 2001.

"It feels like disbelief," MacKinnon said. "It's hard to describe. To see all these warriors battle, it's unbelievable. Words can't describe what I feel right now."

With the emotional road triumph, the Avalanche denied the Lightning a third consecutive title and fourth overall.

YOUR 2022 STANLEY CUP CHAMPS#GOAVSGO pic.twitter.com/F9Y06SubCT

Colorado defenseman Cale Makar was named winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Makar, a 23-year-old Canadian, scored eight goals and added 21 assists in 19 playoff games.

"All the work these guys have put in, it's just so awesome to be part of them getting rewarded," Makar said. "I'm just so proud of the boys."

He smiled as he looked at the Stanley Cup.

"You see that thing as a kid, grow up with pictures of it on the wall," Makar said. "It's surreal. It's amazing."

Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos opened the scoring 3:48 into the first period off an assist from Czech left wing Ondrej Palat. It was the Canadian center's career-best 11th goal of the playoff run.

Congrats to the @Avalanche on a well-earned #StanleyCup win.’Twas a heck of series.