Steven Stamkos just sent a message to the fans and to Corey Perry

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Jeff Drouin
June 28, 2022 (10:24)

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With their 2-1 victory in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Colorado Avalanche ended the reign of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who had won the Cup the past two seasons.

While the Avalanche players were euphoric about the victory, the Lightning organization, starting with captain Steven Stamkos, was clearly disappointed. During the press conference after the sixth game, he did not hide his disappointment in front of the journalists, but he especially wanted to silence those who believe that the Lightning will take a downward path in the years to come.

"Who said we're finished?"

Let's put it mildly. Stamkos also said he was very disappointed for his teammates who had not had a chance to win the Cup in the previous two years.

"There are guys who didn't get that opportunity. When they signed with us, they were told we were going to make a big run and we came up short. It's a shot in the arm."

Obviously, the first name that comes to mind is Corey Perry. The latter lost in the finals for a third straight year, but the former Canadiens man will be back with the Lightning next season.

As for the Lightning's chances of being a contender next season, let's just say that the core should remain intact as forwards Ondrej Palat, Nick Paul and defenseman Jan Rutta will be the only regulars on the team to become free agents without compensation on July 13.