NHL teams often copy the model of the Stanley Cup champions. Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog paused before answering a question about what other teams on the Bettman Tour could do to emulate his 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 important, however, was that the Colorado squad showed the value of speed and talent in the NHL, two priority elements for offensive success in today’s hockey.
The Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are two wins shy of a third straight win, have also proven that it’s worth taking risks on the trade deadline if players get stuck. 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 are also part of the team that lifts the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2001. Landeskog has also thrown flowers to its general manager, Joe Sakic, and to 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. »
Toughness and patience
The best lesson given during the playoffs is that we saw what a difficult team looked like to face.
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 rallied his troops after several disappointments in the playoffs, the Avalanche were mentally ready to face 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 squad will 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 winger 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’ve been through it all. In most cases, we found a way to come out on top,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said.
Except this year, when the Avalanche’s talent and depth were too much to overcome.