The Latest Breaking News from Jared Bednar

DENVER — So maybe Colorado has some experimenting to do with its second, third and fourth lines. Maybe the penalty kill needs intense self-evaluation. Maybe the Avalanche lacks depth.

Until Tim Connelly scratched a seven-year itch and abruptly ended a beautiful relationship with Michael Malone to take the money in Minnesota, they were inseparable basketball brothers, a front-office exec and fiery coach joined at the hip in the quest to make the Nuggets a legit championship contender.

TAMPA, Fla. — One by one, as if it was choreographed weeks ago, all 28 players and each member of the coaching, training and equipment staffs and front office took their turn with the Stanley Cup here late Sunday night.

Behind a goal and an assist from Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup for the third time in franchise history and first in more than two decades by beating the Lightning 2-1 in Game 6.