The Avalanche are potent and fast on offense, well-rested, and have run over their opponents to date. The only issue on the horizon, other than the loss of Kadri, is their goal-tending. Kuemper has been nothing special to date, and could be too rested as we saw with Vasilevskiy in game one of the Rangers series. Speaking of Vasilevskiy, the Lightning net-minder came back and proved his worth in the rest of that series, and is the largest stumbling block between the Avs and the Stanley Cup. The Avs are a much better team on offense, and will exert far more pressure on the Lightnings’ defense and goal-tending. Tampa Bay limited the Rangers to under 25 shots in games 5 and 6. The Avs were over 40 shots in every game vs. the Oilers, and will have more than their share of attempts on the Tampa Bay net.

The Lightning are the veterans in the playoff final series, but the Avalanche have under-achieved in past years and will have all the desire in the world coming in to this game. Colorado has been a monster on home ice.

The Lightning were not prolific in goals-for vs. the Rangers, but faced a standout goaltender. I expect they will have more success vs. Kuemper, especially in Game one. Take the Over between the Lightning and Avalanche on Wednesday night.