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Colorado Avalanche will have to win Game 5 Friday

By Graham Tiedtke

Jun 20, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) makes a save against Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) during the third period in game three of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) makes a save against Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) during the third period in game three of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a disappointing loss in Tampa Bay, the Colorado Avalanche will need to win Game 5 against the Lightning.

Not being in Denver appears to be a major issue for the Colorado Avalanche, as they have lost the first of two-straight away games to the Tampa Bay Lightning by a final score of 6-2. The result of this game forces the series to go to at least five games.

Despite their focus “being in the right place,” the Avalanche fell short on Monday.

The remaining games of the series are as follows:

The remaining schedule sees each team alternating home ice advantage.

Wednesday at Tampa Bay
Friday at Colorado
Sunday at Tampa Bay
Tuesday at Colorado.

The Lightning put up a tremendous outing on Monday night. After Gabriel Landeskog scored two goals, the Avalanche fell flat. Tampa Bay scored four goals in the second period.

Colorado eventually pulled goaltender Darcy Kuemper after he allowed five goals. The broadcast team even pondered whether or not the Avalanche should start Pavel Francouz in Game 4.

It is an interesting thought. Sometimes, a team can become rejuvenated following a goalie change. The same thing can happen in pro football. It is an attempt to try and gain or regain momentum. The Avalanche clearly had the momentum in the first two games of the series. Maybe that’s the right move to make.

The series can no longer be finished in four games. If the Avalanche played the way they did on Monday night in their second-straight game at Tampa Bay, this series could absolutely go to Game 7. That is something that appeals to hockey fans, but it is not what either team wants.

Monday’s game felt like almost a complete 180 from Saturday’s shutout by the Avalanche. Despite having more shots on goal (39) than the Lightning (32), it was just an off-night for Colorado. Neither team is out of it just yet. The Avalanche need to find a way to come out with a win on Wednesday before going back home for Game 5.

The only thing that can do now is regroup and try to win the next two.

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