COLORADO AVALANCHE WIN STANLEY CUP REMATCH THRILLER, DEFEAT TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 5-4 IN OVERTIME….

*COLORADO AVALANCHE WIN STANLEY CUP REMATCH THRILLER, DEFEAT TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 5-4 IN OVERTIME*

Denver, CO – The Colorado Avalanche won a thrilling Stanley Cup rematch against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night, defeating their opponents 5-4 in overtime.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading goals and neither able to gain a clear advantage. The Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen scored twice, including the game-tying goal with just over a minute remaining in regulation.

In overtime, it was Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar who played hero, scoring the game-winning goal on a wrist shot from the top of the circle.

“It was a great game, and we’re thrilled to come out on top,” said Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. “Our guys showed a lot of heart and determination.”

The win was the Avalanche’s fourth straight, and moved them into first place in the Central Division. The Lightning, meanwhile, saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.

*GAME STATS:*

– Mikko Rantanen (COL): 2 goals, 1 assist
– Nikita Kucherov (TBL): 1 goal, 2 assists
– Cale Makar (COL): 1 goal, 1 assist (game-winner)
– Colorado: 37 shots, 5 goals
– Tampa Bay: 34 shots, 4 goals

*POST-GAME REACTION:*

– “It was a great team effort, and we’re happy to get the win,” said Rantanen.
– “We had our chances, but couldn’t capitalize,” said Lightning head coach Jon Cooper. “Credit to Colorado, they played a great game.”

The Avalanche will look to continue their winning streak on Tuesday night, when they host the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena.