The Prettiest Stanleys You’ve Ever Seen

Stanley Cup Finals Preview: Avalanche vs. Lightning

The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off in the Stanley Cup Finals, a rematch of the 2022 Finals.

The Avalanche are the Presidents Trophy winners and the top seed in the playoffs, while the Lightning are the two-time defending champions.

The series is expected to be a close one, as both teams are evenly matched. The Avalanche have the edge in scoring, while the Lightning have the edge in experience.

The series is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 15th.

Key Matchups

Nathan MacKinnon vs. Victor Hedman

MacKinnon is the Avalanche's leading scorer and one of the best players in the NHL. Hedman is the Lightning's top defenseman and one of the best in the league.

This matchup will be key in determining the outcome of the series.

Cale Makar vs. Nikita Kucherov

Makar is the Avalanche's Calder Trophy winner and one of the most exciting young players in the NHL. Kucherov is the Lightning's leading scorer and one of the best wingers in the league.

This matchup will be another key one in the series.

Nazem Kadri vs. Brayden Point

Kadri is the Avalanche's second-leading scorer and one of the most underrated players in the NHL. Point is the Lightning's second-leading scorer and one of the best young players in the league.

This matchup will be another important one to watch.

Prediction

The Avalanche are the slight favorites to win the series, but the Lightning are always a threat to win the Stanley Cup.

I predict that the Avalanche will win the series in seven games.