(Tampa) NHL teams often copy the model of the Stanley Cup champions.
Posted at 6:59 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog paused before answering a question about what other teams on the Bettman Tour could do to copy their success.
With a smirk, Landeskog said they “had to find a Cale Makar somewhere.”
Winner of the Conn-Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player of the series, Makar was an important cog in the conquest of the Avalanche on the blue line. More importantly, though, was that the Colorado squad showed the value of speed and talent in the NHL, as hockey prioritizes those things to score goals.
The Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are two wins shy of a third straight win, have also shown proof that it’s worth taking risks on the trade deadline if players fit well into the mentality of the team.
The Avalanche traded two top prospects and two second-round picks to acquire forward Artturi Lehkonen and defenseman Josh Manson. Not to mention the addition of forwards Andrew Cogliano and Nico Sturm, who were the team to lift the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2001. Landeskog also threw flowers to its general manager Joe Sakic and assistant Chris MacFarland, after the sixth game of the final.
“Joe and C-Mac did a really good job adding players that made it very difficult for us to play against,” Landeskog said. Look at Cogliano, Darren Helm, Sturm, all those guys. They want to win so badly that they’re all going to do whatever it takes to make it happen. It all adds up to make us a tough club to face. »
The best lesson during the playoffs was understanding what a tough team looked like to play against.
The high-paced Avalanche dominated the playoffs in the Western Conference, which was once known for its big, tough teams. She needed the tenacity of Manson, center Nazem Kadri and the others to hold off the Lightning.
Thanks to head coach Jared Bednar, who brought focus to his team after several playoff disappointments, the Avalanche were mentally ready to take on the Lightning. The Tampa team also had to wait for the Stanley Cup the previous two years.
After the Lightning avoided elimination to bring the Finals back to Tampa, and even after trailing in Game 6, the Avalanche rallied to become champions.
“They gave us a hard time, but we regrouped and we were calm,” Avalanche owner Stan Kroenke said. This team will beat you if you are not calm. »
And the Lightning will be able to repeat the blow to other formations next year. While the Avalanche will have to look at their payroll, while Manson, Kadri and goaltender Darcy Kuemper will be free as air, the Florida troops have some leeway for the first time in a few years.
Winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Jan Rutta will become unrestricted free agents, as will trade deadline acquisition Nick Paul, but Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has already worked miracles with the salary cap.
“Who said we were done? The core is there and we have lived it all. In most cases, we found a way to come out on top,” said Lightning captain Steven Stamkos.
Except this year, when the Avalanche’s talent and depth were too much to overcome.