With their 2-1 victory in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Colorado Avalanche ended the reign of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who had won the Cup the past two seasons.
While the Avalanche players were euphoric about the victory, the Lightning organization, starting with captain Steven Stamkos, was clearly disappointed. During the press conference after the sixth game, he did not hide his disappointment in front of the journalists, but he especially wanted to silence those who believe that the Lightning will take a downward path in the years to come.
Obviously, the first name that comes to mind is Corey Perry. The latter lost in the finals for a third straight year, but the former Canadiens man will be back with the Lightning next season.
As for the Lightning's chances of being a contender next season, let's just say that the core should remain intact as forwards Ondrej Palat, Nick Paul and defenseman Jan Rutta will be the only regulars on the team to become free agents without compensation on July 13.