The Tampa Bay Lightning were hoping to become the next dynasty in the NHL. They had won two straight championships and reached the Stanley Cup Finals for a third straight season. They were the first team to accomplish that since Wayne Gretzky and his Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s. But this time, it ended in heartbreak as the Colorado Avalanche bested the Lightning, winning the series in six games.

Lightning players, coaches, and fans are not used to the feeling they were left with after dropping Game 6 Sunday night, 2-1. After Lightning coach Jon Cooper had some time to reflect, he addressed the loss with the media.

“I don't have a speech prepared. I didn't think we were going to lose the game” said Cooper looking a little shellshocked. “You remember the teams you win with. But I will always remember this one for what they endured what they went through to get to this point. You have to marvel at them. It's a little shocking what this group accomplished to get here. It was different than the other ones,” Cooper said.

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This was the second consecutive loss for Tampa Bay on home ice in these finals. They had won their previous eight home games this postseason.

Colorado looked like the better team for much of the series. They were faster, more agile, and had the better special teams. The equalizer was of course goaltending. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was brilliant once again Sunday night, but the Avalanche defense was even better.

Tampa Bay was held to just four shots on goal in the final period. The once elite offense was completely shut down after taking an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Steven Stamkos. But this team is not done and will likely be a contender again next year.