For the third time in its history, Colorado will play in the Stanley Cup final. The Denver franchise qualified with a 4th success in 4 games against Edmonton.
On Oilers ice, the Avalanche won Act IV of the Western Conference Finals 6-5. Artturi Lehkonen scored the winning goal after 1’19” in extra time. Led 4-2 in the middle of the third period, Colorado was able to find a second wind to score three goals in less than 6 minutes before Zack Kassian allowed Edmonton to snatch overtime in the 57th. But it was only a reprieve for the Oilers.
With 1 goal and 4 assists, Cale Makar, Roman Josi’s great rival for the title of best defenseman of the year, was, once again, the Avalanche’s strongman. In the opposing camp, the German Leon Draiaiti also delivered four assists.
Victorious in the two Stanley Cup finals he played in, in 1996 against Florida and in 2001 against New Jersey with a line-up that included Friborg David Aebischer, Colorado will aim for the pass of 3. His opponent will be the winner of the Eastern Conference final between the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay and the New York Rangers. The Rangers lead the series 2-1 heading into Act IV on Tuesday in Florida.
ats/adav