The favorites for the Stanley Cup final, the Avalanche must overcome a long break before the start of the final against Tampa Bay on Wednesday night in Denver.
“We just have to focus on our group,” said winger Andre Burakovsky, who won the Cup with Washington in 2018.
“We’re not going to dwell on whether we’re the favorites or the underdogs or that sort of thing. We are here to play our game and focus on the things we can control. We know what we are capable of. »
After sweeping Edmonton in the Western final, Colorado must wait more than a week before playing again.
Coach Jared Bednar tried to balance rest and training to keep his team in competition mode. Players insist they will be ready.
“At this stage of the year, it’s not very difficult to get motivated,” said winger Mikko Rantanen. It’s the final. Even though it was a 40 day break, I think everyone will be mentally ready to play. »
Rantanen added that no matter how long the rest is, it’s up to each player to be ready at the right time.
Bednar wants to put his troops in the best possible position to win.
“I feel good about getting off the ice for a few days to decompress, and then you get the intensity back,” Bednar said. “I don’t feel like the break is too long. I like what I see in the team. »
The Lightning are trying to win a third straight championship.
Coach Jon Cooper said center Brayden Point, injured in the first round against the Leafs, is likely to play at some point in the final.
The Avalanche finished the Oilers sweep without Nazem Kadri and without Darcy Kuemper, who was Pavel Francouz’s backup in the decisive win.
“Naz is a great player,” Rantanen said. He brings a lot, especially in attack, and he plays responsibly in defense. »
Colorado will be without defenseman Samuel Girard of Roberval. He broke his sternum in the second round against the Blues.