Jun 11, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17), center Steven Stamkos (91), defenseman Victor Hedman (77) and defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) are presented the Prince of Wales Trophy after defeating the New York Rangers in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lightning advance to third straight Stanley Cup Final

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 6/11/22

It's been nearly 40 years since an NHL team won three straight Stanley Cups. It's been 20 years since any franchise in any of the "Big Four" sports leagues captured three consecutive championships.

The Tampa Bay Lightning now have a chance to put an end to both of those droughts.

YOUR TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING ARE 2022 EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ct0tb1fKXv
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 12, 2022

HERE WE GO AGAIN. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Qy4edyIGoR
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 12, 2022

The Lightning will be taking on the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final, which begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The Avalanche advanced to the championship by sweeping the Edmonton Oilers.

The last time Colorado advanced to the Stanley Cup Final was 2001, when they defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games.

Steven Stamkos had both goals for the victors in the 2-1 clincher on Saturday, while Ondrej Palat notched two assists and Andrei Vasilevskiy had 20 saves. In the loss, the New York Rangers' goal was scored by Frank Vatrano.

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