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The Tampa Bay Lightning were blown up by the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Saturday, and veteran Steven Stamkos had a message for his team after the loss.
Stamkos urged his Lightning teammates to pull themselves up and get their heads back on the series after the 7-0 blowout.
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Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) collides with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (7) during the first period in Game 2 of the NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Finals Saturday, June 18, 2022 in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
“It was absolutely unacceptable, especially at this time of year,” Stamkos said of the loss to The Athletic. “Listen, people are going to watch this game tonight and probably think the series is over. But our group, we are a very resilient group.
“So whether it’s one to nothing, seven to nothing or 10 to nothing, it’s a playoff loss and you have to move on. We have to position ourselves as a team and as individuals. Let’s go back home in front of our fans and let’s see what we’re made of.”
The Lightning were dogfighting throughout the postseason.
AVALANCHE ROUT LIGHTNING 7:0 TO 2:0 LEAD IN CUP FINALE
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jack Johnson (3) controls the puck while Tampa Bay Lightning center Ross Colton (79) during the third period in Game 2 of the NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Denver defended. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Tampa Bay beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, defeated Presidents’ Cup winners the Florida Panthers in the second round, and came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the New York Rangers in the conference finals . Additionally, the Lightning have played 67 postseason games since August 1, 2020 — the most by any team in the three playoffs.
Former NHL star Justin Williams said this could be something that could weigh heavily on Tampa Bay players.
“You’ve played an exceptional amount of games, and obviously playoff games are just a little more physical, a little more everything while you’re playing them,” said Williams, who will become an NHL Network analyst starting Game 3. Right now these guys are fading. Listen, they’ve played a lot of hockey, but when you’ve gotten this far in the playoffs, you’re mostly running on adrenaline right now.
“You’re feeling pretty good, and an excuse for playing too much hockey is one I’m sure they’re not ready to use right now.”
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) controls the puck during the first period in Game 2 of the team’s NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalanche, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night at 8 p.m. ET in Tampa, Fla.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ryan Gaydos is a sports editor at Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].