The Avalanche took the lead in the second period to win their first title since 2001 and end the Lightning’s bid for a third consecutive title. They did it convincingly, never facing elimination.
At risk of falling into a three-game deficit, the Lightning scored a late goal to beat the Rangers for the first time in six games this season and maintain their pursuit of a third straight title.
The N.H.L. playoff series between the Oilers and the Flames is boiling over with the heavy hits, trash talk, deafening arenas and bountiful goal scoring that defined hockey in the 1980s, the last time the rivalry was so fierce.
One of the league’s longest active players, Crosby quietly had an exceptional season. His Pittsburgh Penguins are in the playoffs for the 16th consecutive year.