It initially seemed like the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third straight Stanley Cup was going to come to an end against the New York Rangers after falling in an 0-2 hole. However, the Lightning promptly won the next four games to set up a date in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final with the mighty Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche have been patiently waiting the end of the series between the Lightning and Rangers after sweeping away the Edmonton Oilers in dominant fashion. Despite Tampa Bay being the two-time defending champs, this loaded Colorado team is the favorite in the Stanley Cup Final.

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos knows just how tough it will be to take down the Avalanche to win a third straight Stanley Cup. Stamkos even referred to them as “probably the best team in the league,” per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

The Lightning star continued:

“As you progress through the playoffs, each round gets tougher and each opponent gets tougher,” he said. “There's a reason why there's two teams left, and it's because they're the two best teams in the league. We're going to have our hands full.”

Stamkos even said he's surprised Tampa Bay didn't play Colorado in the Stanley Cup Final in either of the last two seasons. The Avalanche lost in the second round three seasons in a row before getting over the hump this year.

The Lightning captain spoke very highly of Colorado's roster:

“Now they've broken through. They have just an unbelievable mix of veteran players, star power, grinders, goalie. A huge challenge for us,” Stamkos said. “We know how we have to play. It's no secret they have some electric players.”

The Stanley Cup Final will begin on Wednesday in Denver. This should be a doozy of a series between the Lightning and Avalanche.