Colorado Avalanche win third Stanley Cup with victory over Tampa Bay Lightning

The Colorado Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup in franchise history after sealing a 4-2 Finals win over Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena.

Jared Bednar's side had the chance to wrap up the series title in Game 5 last week but were pegged back to a 3-2 lead by the Lightning, who struck first in Game 6 through Steven Stamkos.

However, Nathan McKinnon levelled for the Avalanche early in the second period before Artturi Lehkonen's effort sealed a 2-1 win for Bednar's team on the day.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper came up with a whopping 22 saves to help seal his side's third Stanley Cup victory, following on from previous successes in 1996 and 2001.

The Conn Smythe Trophy - awarded to the most valuable player in the NHL playoffs - went to defenceman Cale Makar, who struck eight goals and 21 assists in 20 playoff matches.

The Avalanche's victory prevented the Lightning from sealing a third consecutive Stanley Cup victory after lifting the trophy aloft in 2020 and 2021, as well as marking their first Finals defeat since 2015.