Colorado Avalanche win Stanley Cup, Makar calls it ‘pure joy’ | USA TODAY

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 for their first Stanley Cup victory since 2001.

RELATED: Avalanche advance to Stanley Cup Finals for first time in 21 years

After years of playoff disappointments, the Colorado Avalanche are back atop hockey’s mountain after dethroning the two-time defending champions.

Tampa Bay ended up two victories short of becoming the NHL’s first three-peat champion since the early 1980s New York Islanders dynasty.

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