My full take, Avs very lucky they won. Agree with
Penance
the Lightning won both P1 and P2. P3 was a closer game, why no goals were scored, and OT was one sided for the Avs.
- Avs were skating around with pool noodles for sticks, trying to one hand dainty swipe at loose pucks.
- Not sure how many times they tried a far side cycle in their defensive end, just to have 3 forwards on one side and the Lightning D walk right down to the hashes and be wide open with time to setup the next shot.
- Too many clearing attempts that had nothing on them, just to be kept in at the blue line and sent right back into the corner.
- I don't think this one is the Avs fault, but they were falling all over themselves. I think this is a difference in the ice from Denver to TB, and they were losing edges. Softer ice means a slower puck and harder for skaters like Makar and MacKinnon to maneuver.
- Soft goaltending for the Avs, Keumper should have stopped Hedman's goal. Lucky it was just the one, and he tightened up afterwards.
- Goal #1 for the Lightning showed they came to play, and was a good no-call on stoppage with Keumper without a helmet. Had it ricochet off him and out of the crease area, then a stop would have been ok, but it landed on Cirelli's stick with a full side of empty net to look at.
- Pretty sure MacKinnon gave up on trying to score, and was aiming at Lightning players skates.
On the conditioning topic, I am not sure it's a simple they are more fit issue. Avs swept two teams, had a longer break before the series, and are just beat up less than the Lightning. They do get to play at 5000ft, so that does make a difference, but overall play time the Lightning have 3 games more played in the same short period of time.