Andrei SenchenkoSport correspondentAll materialsEmail to the authorTampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche will meet in the battle for the Stanley Cup. The Lightning, with Russians Andrei Vasilevsky, Mikhail Sergachev and Nikita Kucherov, could become a dynasty team, while Valery Nichushkin has a chance to bring the NHL's main trophy to Denver for the first time in 21 years. Vasilevsky, Sergachev and Kucherov will join the greats? This season for “Tampa” has become truly special. If in the previous couple of years almost no one doubted their championship, then this year several determining factors played against the Lightning. At least initially, it seemed that the crisis of the third tier and problems in defense would be key in the likely failure of the champions. In fact, the “Lightning” confidently overcame all possible obstacles. “Toronto” though exhausted the “Tampa” nerves? No problem. Nervousness only went “lightning” in favor and helped to cheer up at the start of the playoffs. Did Florida have the most formidable offense in the NHL? Her «lightning» was not noticed at all. For them, the manner of playing «Panthers» was the most convenient. The Rangers' impenetrable goaltender? Hockey players “Lightning” really had to work hard to stop Igor Shesterkin, who had gained a crazy move. But the ability to deliver accurate and pinpoint shots «Tampa» honed to perfection. This is entirely the merit of John Cooper, who built an excellent mechanism.
