"Because they played our song, they won the Stanley Cup," Hoppus cracked before the game. Or at least that's the opinion of Hoppus, whose band's song was belted out at Ball Arena all the way to the title. “Knowing that we all accomplished that together and being on the ice together again, it’s only going to drive us forward.” “Raising that banner, I only think it’s going to motivate us more to do it again,” said defenseman Cale Makar, who had two assists.
In the NHL's salary cap era that began in 2005, only Tampa Bay ('20, ‘21) and Pittsburgh (’16, '17) have accomplished the feat. “Pretty emotional, but I thought we came out really well," Lehkonen said.Īfter a summer filled with parades, parties and celebrations with the Cup, the Avalanche embark on the difficult task of becoming a back-to-back champion.
They scored four power-play goals, including two by Lehkonen in the second period, for a 4-1 lead. The Avalanche took a little bit of time to find their rhythm, but once they did they were flying around the ice. Once the pregame celebration concluded, Colorado's title defense got underway. “Some day I can bring my grandkids or my kids, if they don’t believe that dad played, and show them.” “I got pretty emotional actually when they’re doing the video beforehand,” said Johnson, who was wearing his championship ring in his postgame interview. As it climbed higher and higher, the cheers got louder and louder. Johnson was with Colorado last season.įinally, the feature attraction - the banner raised to the rafters. Of course, there were plenty of on-ice pictures, including a memorable shot of the team with Blackhawks defenseman Jack Johnson joining in. There also was captain Gabriel Landeskog hoisting the Cup and skating around with the trophy (he missed the game with a lower-body injury). Then, some music as Mark Hoppus of the Blink-182 led a sing-along of the band's tune "All The Small Things," which became an anthem for the Avalanche. The appetizer: A highlight video of Colorado's run to the franchise's third Stanley Cup title. The crowd was revved up well before the puck even dropped. You got to go out there and try to win the game.”Ĭolorado moved defending Stanley Cup champions to 60-26-16 in openers. “But I think once the puck drops the attitude is it’s behind you and nobody really cares. “Obviously it’s special to see that banner go up there, to contribute to history," Toews said. Petr Mrazek finished with 30 saves against an Avalanche team that won the title last season by dethroning Tampa Bay in six games. Jonathan Toews and Max Domi had goals as Luke Richardson made his coaching debut for the Blackhawks. “You don't think about it too much (now), but I think we will appreciate it later.” “Our championship team is in the rafters forever,” said Rantanen, who turned in the 12th four-point night of his career.
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