Avalanche, Lightning set for anticipated Stanley Cup clash

The two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning face the best in the West Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final beginning Wednesday in Denver.

Tampa Bay is the first team since Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers from 1983-85 to make the final in three consecutive years. The Lightning are looking to be the NHL’s first three-peat champions since the New York Islanders won the Cup four times in a row from 1980-83.

Colorado’s core led by Nathan MacKinnon used depth and speed to break through to the final for the first time after several disappointing playoff performances.

The Avalanche are going for the franchise’s first championship since 2001.

Veteran Johnson, rookie Byram form tight bond on 'D' for Avs

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson brings the experience. Rookie Bowen Byram has the flash.

Together they've formed quite a blue-line combination for an Avalanche team heading to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2001.

They tease each other all the time about the 13-year age gap and how they're two different styles of defensemen. But their chemistry on the ice is undeniable. Their stories are linked, too, as both have dealt with lingering concussion symptoms.

Byram has seven assists so far in the postseason, while Johnson has recorded a goal and four assists.