CALE MAKAR

McDavid went 8 for 8 in the accuracy shooting competition, which was won by Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. “We knew coming to Florida we had to be outside, and we knew it’s a risk. Anaheim's Trevor Zegras, one of the cover athletes for the NHL 23 video game who provided the highlight of last year's skills competition by scoring a spinning goal while blindfolded, tweeted a sleeping emoji. Golfer Brad Fritsch posted: "I guess I can delete the recording of @NHL skills competition? ___Follow AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SWhyno___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2023 The Associated Press.

The NHL took advantage of holding All-Star Weekend in South Florida by holding two Skills Competition events outside in the sun.

First Liners (RISERS)Elias Lindholm, C, CGYLindholm, who scored a career-high 42 goals and tallied 82 points last season, has gotten hot since December 1. Mason McTavish, C, ANAMcTavish could be on the verge of another hot streak. McTavish has moved up to center the top line, with Trevor Zegras moved to Ryan Strome's wing. After tallying 39 points in 70 games last season, Barabanov is up to 25 points in 36 games in this his second full season in San Jose. His recent hot streak has resulted in Dahlin tying his rookie-season point production, meaning he's now trailing only the 53 points he tallied last season.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin were among the first round of All-Star selections revealed by the NHL on Thursday night. Crosby, the longtime captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, was selected for his ninth All-Star Game and Ovechkin his 13th, a Washington Capitals record. The league’s hockey operations department picked the first 32 All-Stars, one from each team. Reigning Norris Trophy winner and playoff MVP Cale Makar from the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche was also among those chosen. Vegas' Logan Thompson was the first rookie goaltender to make an All-Star team since Anaheim's John Gibson in 2016.

Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin were among the first round of All-Star selections revealed by the NHL.

Petr Mrazek finished with 30 saves against an Avalanche team that won the title last season by dethroning Tampa Bay in six games. Colorado moved defending Stanley Cup champions to 60-26-16 in openers. The appetizer: A highlight video of Colorado's run to the franchise's third Stanley Cup title. "Because they played our song, they won the Stanley Cup," Hoppus cracked before the game. No Stanley Cup."

Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin each scored two power-play goals, Mikko Rantanen had four assists and the fast-skating Colorado Avalanche began their Stanley Cup title defense with a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Colorado Avalanche are making Nathan MacKinnon the highest-paid player in the NHL’s salary cap era.

Nathan MacKinnon expects to sign contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche soon.

With that in mind, let's explore who you should take with your first-round pick, depending on where you end up in the draft. If you have the sixth overall pick, but my recommendation for the third is still available, take my choice for the third overall selection. 12 — Recommendation: Roman JosiWho the best defenseman to pick after Makar is a matter of some debate, but I lean towards Josi. He's surpassed the 50-point mark on six occasions and won the Norris Trophy in 2019-20 with 65 points in 69 games. He likely won't match Makar in terms of goals, but Josi is a serious contender to lead all blueliners in points in 2022-23.

The parade through the streets of Denver to celebrate the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup title offered a little bit of everything.

Some tough decisions loom for the Colorado Avalanche after dethroning the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final. Taylor, a forward, was on hand to watch his brother not only win the Stanley Cup but earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the postseason. It’s so funny to see us grow up together, have those sibling fights, battle playing fake Stanley Cup and mini-sticks. ALL THE SMALL THINGSThe band blink-182 gave a shoutout to the Avalanche for their Stanley Cup title. The only Stanley Cup winner with fewer losses since all rounds went to a best-of-seven format in 1987 was Edmonton, which lost only twice in '88.

The city will celebrate the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup title with a parade through the streets of downtown Denver.

Stanley Cup Avalanche Lightning Hockey The Colorado Avalanche pose with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Sunday, June 26, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack) (Phelan Ebenhack)TAMPA, Fla. — (AP) — In a copycat league known for following the Stanley Cup champions, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog paused when asked what other teams could do to emulate their success. They needed the bulk and grit provided by Manson, center Nazem Kadri and others to endure the Lightning. This Stanley Cup Final finished that point, after the Lightning staved off elimination to send the series back to Tampa. “This team will beat you if you’re not poised.”And the Lightning may do this to more teams next year. Don't bet against the Lightning reaching a fourth consecutive final and going for a third championship in four years.

The Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup showed the value of speed and skill in a league dramatically tilting in that direction.

Stanley Cup 2022: Colorado Avalanche top Lightning to claim third title Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog lifts the Stanley Cup after the team defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Sunday, June 26, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)TAMPA, Fla. — The Avalanche are back on top. >> Read more trending newsAccording to The Associated Press, Colorado defeated the two-time defending champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, 2-1 on Sunday to claim the Stanley Cup for the third time in history. The 23-year-old defenseman logged eight goals and 21 assists in the postseason, the Tampa Bay Times reported. 👊 pic.twitter.com/S6VrUOkGVT — Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 27, 2022– The Associated Press contributed to this report. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 25 Photos: Colorado Avalanche dethrone Lightning to win Stanley Cup for 3rd time Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri lifts the Stanley Cup after the team defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals on Sunday, June 26, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)©2022 Cox Media Group

Makar is the second defenseman to win the award over the past three years. He follows Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the back-to-back defending champions eliminated by Colorado in the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday night. “For my development, I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do,” Makar told The Associated Press in September. “He’s an amazing player,” Edmonton defenseman Tyson Barrie said in the middle of the Avalanche sweeping the Oilers in the Western Conference final. “Since he’s been in the league, he’s been exceptional and it’s amazing the way he’s creating offense and still playing defense.

Cale Makar has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Colorado Avalanche to their first Stanley Cup title since 2001 and third in franchise history.

The Colorado Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup after dethroning the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Colorado Avalanche were stymied in their quest to close out the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Stanley Cup Lightning Avalanche Hockey Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) celebrates a goal against the Colorado Avalanche with Mikhail Sergachev (98) and Steven Stamkos (91) during the third period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final, Friday, June 24, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)DENVER — (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning spoiled Colorado's party to stay in the hunt for a third straight Stanley Cup title, beating the Avalanche 3-2 on Friday night in Game 5. Tampa Bay regrouped after an emotional Game 4 loss at home on a overtime goal from Colorado forward Nazem Kadri. Tampa Bay has played in 67 postseason games since the start of the first round in 2020. Makar said leading into the game this was the “toughest one that we’ve had so far.”The Avalanche are 2 for 2 in their visits to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Tampa Bay Lightning spoiled Colorado’s party and they are still in the hunt for a third straight Stanley Cup title after beating the Avalanche 3-2 in Game 5.

Stanley Cup Lightning Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) scores on Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the third period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher)DENVER — (AP) — Marinate on this for a quick moment: Colorado has 11 goals in the Stanley Cup Final so far, and not one from star forward Nathan MacKinnon. Along with it, they have a 2-0 lead over Tampa Bay in the best-of-seven series, with Game 3 in Tampa on Monday night. He joined Patrick Roy as the Avalanche goaltenders who've recorded a shutout in the Stanley Cup Final (Roy accomplished the feat in 1996 and twice in 2001 as Colorado captured its two Stanley Cup trophies). “Whether Mac is scoring or not, he’s driving the play, he’s wearing guys down, he’s forechecking, he’s above pucks.

The fast-flying Colorado Avalanche have zoomed out to a 2-0 series lead over Tampa Bay in the Stanley Cup Final.

“Mr. Game 7” is back in the Stanley Cup Final, but in a much different role than before.

The Tampa Bay Lightning shrugged off their overtime loss to Colorado in the opener of the Stanley Cup Final.

Stanley Cup Lightning Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher)DENVER — (AP) — Looking like by far the better team against the defending champions, the Colorado Avalanche overwhelmed the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-0 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Avalanche go to Tampa for Game 3 on Monday night up in the series despite no goals in the series from MacKinnon. Tampa Bay fell to 18-2 after a loss since the start of the first round in 2020. Colorado is inflicting plenty of pain on Tampa Bay, which resorted to some rough stuff after falling behind.

The Colorado Avalanche overwhelmed the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-0 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Stanley Cup Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning shows the value of hitting on top picks in the NHL draft.

Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon has upped his game by dialing it down.

Andre Burakovsky scored 1:23 into overtime and the Colorado Avalanche opened the Stanley Cup Final with a 4-3 victory over the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Lightning Avalanche Hockey Tampa Bay Lightning players skate during an NHL hockey practice before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Colorado Avalanche, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in Denver. The Colorado Avalanche present a unique challenge for the Lightning, but they already got past the offensively potent Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers to reach the Cup final. “You have to play the game different ways at times. Tampa Bay's 2.41 goals against this postseason is the lowest of any team that made it past the first round. “We have enough skill and talent to score offensively, but we focus on our defensive game,” winger Alex Killorn said.

The Stanley Cup Final is a showdown between the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the high-scoring Colorado Avalanche.

The Colorado Avalanche didn't need to be fully healthy to sweep the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference final.

Oilers Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche left wing J.T. Compher scored twice, Cale Makar had a goal and two assists and the Colorado Avalanche held off the Edmonton Oilers 8-6 on Tuesday night in a fast-paced, no-lead-felt-safe Game 1 of the Western Conference final. Edmonton and Colorado scored six times over a 6:43 span — nearly a goal a minute. Kuemper left the game in the second period as well, after surrendering three goals on 16 shots. After Cogliano's goal gave Colorado a 7-3 lead late in the second, it looked like the game might be in hand.

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Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, Darcy Kuemper stopped 29 shots and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 in Game 3 of their second-round series.

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)DENVER — (AP) — David Perron scored twice as St. Louis switched up its line combinations, Jordan Binnington made 30 saves and the Blues beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Thursday night to tie their second-round series at a game apiece. The Blues goaltender stopped 51 shots during a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 1. Among the line changes by the Blues was pairing Pavel Buchnevich with Ryan O’Reilly and Perron. The Blues mixed up their line combinations for Game 2, but it was the defensemen generating most of the early shots. FIVE CLUBWith his second goal of the series, Kyrou joins the list of Blues players who now have five or more goals in this postseason.

David Perron scored twice, Jordan Binnington made 30 saves and the St. Louis Blues beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 to tie their second-round series at a game apiece.

Josh Manson scored 8:02 into overtime, Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves in his return to the net from an eye injury, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in Game 1 of their second-round series.

The start of the NHL playoffs included more penalties called than any other first round in almost a decade.

The New York Rangers will play the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

The Avalanche now are in the Western Conference semifinals for a fourth straight season and second consecutive after sweeping their first-round opponent. Andre Burakovsky had a goal and two assists, Cale Makar added a goal and an assist, and Devon Toews added a goal for Colorado. Yakov Trenin scored twice for Nashville, which was swept for the first time in franchise history in its 15th playoff appearance. Filip Forsberg scored his first of the series giving Nashville its first lead this series at 3:58 of the third. Colorado scored three times over the final 11:05 to wrap up a series by outscoring Nashville 21-9.

Valeri Nichushkin scored the game-winning goal with 7:58 left, and the Colorado Avalanche became the first team to advance to the second round Monday night by finishing a sweep of the Nashville Predators 5-3 Monday night.

Gabriel Landeskog scored twice in the second period, and the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 7-3 for a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference series.

Predators Avalanche Hockey Nashville Predators goaltender Connor Ingram (39) blocks a shot by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, bottom right, during the first period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Denver. Nathan MacKinnon also scored for Colorado, which faced a more intense Nashville defense after winning 7-2 in Game 1. He allowed MacKinnon's goal on the first shot of the game and turned back everything until Makar's goal. The 25-year-old Ingram relieved David Rittich in the first game after the Avalanche scored five first-period goals. The first period was vastly different for the Predators than Game 1, when they allowed five goals.

Cale Makar scored 8:31 into overtime, Darcy Kuemper made 25 saves on his 32nd birthday and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 2-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog built the lead to 6-0 when he was credited for a goal in the second period. MacKinnon scored his second goal of the game in the third period and, coupled with an assist, raised his playoff points per game average to 1.41. RECORD STARTThe goals by MacKinnon and Toews were in the first 2:42, making it the fastest pair of goals to start a playoff game in Colorado/Quebec franchise history. MAKAR'S MARKMakar became the third defenseman in team history to record three points in a period during a playoff game. On his 27th birthday, Avs forward Nico Sturm received a hard check in the second period that knocked him down.

Nathan MacKinnon and Devon Toews scored 22 seconds apart in a five-goal first period, sending the Colorado Avalanche to a 7-2 win over the Nashville Predators in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

Nathan MacKinnon had three goals and two assists, Nicolas Aube-Kubel scored twice in a dominant first period and the Colorado Avalanche set a franchise record with their 53rd win by routing the Los Angeles Kings 9-3.

Ethan Bear scored the game’s first goal with 5:40 left and Sebastian Aho added an empty-netter to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-0 on Thursday night.

Bruins Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche players celebrate with defenseman Cale Makar after his power-play goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — Gabriel Landeskog tied the game with 36.5 seconds left in regulation and Cale Makar scored a power-play goal 3:01 into overtime as the Colorado Avalanche rallied past the Boston Bruins 4-3 on Wednesday night for their 17th straight home victory. With Mike Reilly serving a tripping penalty, Makar took a feed from Nazem Kadri and sent a shot past Linus Ullmark to give the Avalanche their eighth consecutive win overall. Charlie Coyle and Brad Marchand scored just over a minute apart in the second to put Boston up 3-1. ... Bruins D Matt Grzelcyk (upper-body injury) went through the morning skate but missed his second straight game.

Gabriel Landeskog tied the game with 36.5 seconds left in regulation and Cale Makar scored a power-play goal 3:01 into overtime as the Colorado Avalanche rallied past the Boston Bruins 4-3 for their 17th straight home victory.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — Nazem Kadri and Mikko Rantanen scored, Pavel Francouz made 23 saves for his third career shutout and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Monday night to extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 16 games. It was the seventh straight victory overall for the Avalanche, who tied the 1976 Boston Bruins for the fifth-longest home winning streak in NHL history. An empty-net goal by Colorado in the final moments was waved off for offside. NOTES: Blackhawks G Kevin Lankinen was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury sustained in Saturday’s overtime loss against Minnesota. ___More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Nazem Kadri and Mikko Rantanen scored, Pavel Francouz made 23 saves for his third career shutout and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 to extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 16 games.

Washington star Alexander Ovechkin and high-scoring Edmonton teammates Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl headline the rosters for the NHL All-Star Weekend announced Thursday.

The Colorado Avalanche became the first team in 26 years to score seven goals in three straight games with a 7-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

Erik Johnson had a goal and an assist, and the Colorado Avalanche beat Philadelphia 7-5 to hand the Flyers their ninth straight loss just hours after they fired coach Alain Vigneault.

Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic still is not sure the team will be able to bring back Landeskog and Grubauer.“I don’t know,” Sakic said. The spotlight is also bright on the Carolina Hurricanes in their talks with defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Washington Capitals finalizing a deal with captain Alex Ovechkin and Stanley Cup champion Blake Coleman's landing spot because he likely won't return to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Many of these situations need to be resolved one way or the other before free agency opens Wednesday. “If free agency starts and we know we need a defenseman, we can’t be patient and wait for Dougie to make a decision,” Carolina GM Don Waddell said Wednesday. “We’ve let Dougie know.

The end of the NHL draft only ushers in more questions about what's coming next this offseason.

The Flyers traded Voracek to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Cam Atkinson, Saturday, July 24, in the first major trade on the second day of the NHL draft. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) (Nick Wass)A familiar bearded face is going back to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets' longest tenured player heading to Philadelphia. The Flyers sent Jakub Voracek to the Blue Jackets for Atkinson on Saturday, the first major trade on the second day of the NHL draft. Atkinson leaves the only NHL organization he has ever been with after scoring 213 goals in 627 games with the Blue Jackets. “This is a significant trade for our club and we are very excited to welcome Jake Voracek back to the Blue Jackets family.," Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said.

NHL Draft Hockey FILE - In this May 10, 2021 file photo, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) plays against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Las Vegas. The Avalanche kicked off the second day of the NHL draft by signing top defenseman Makar to a $54 million, six year contract that carries an annual salary cap hit of $9 million. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) (John Locher)The Colorado Avalanche kicked off the second day of the NHL draft Saturday by signing top defenseman Cale Makar to a $54 million, six-year contract. Makar will count $9 million against the salary cap through the 2026-27 season. The Makar signing is the first of what could be many moves on the second day of the draft early in a busy offseason.

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded Jakub Voracek to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Cam Atkinson in the first major trade on the second day of the NHL draft.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid ran away in the voting to win his second Hart Trophy as NHL MVP after leading the league in points.

Montreal's Cole Caufield is the best of a handful of college hockey stars who went from playing at the NCAA level this season to jumping right into the NHL playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon have been named finalists for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP.

Golden Knights Avalanche Hockey Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) scores a goal against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner (90) in the second period of Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)DENVER — (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog each scored twice and the well-rested Colorado Avalanche made quick work of Vegas with their speed, beating the Golden Knights 7-1 on Sunday night in a skirmish-filled Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. “Everyone was ready to go and we had a great start.”William Karlsson scored the lone goal for Vegas. He stepped in for Marc-Andre Fleury, who was in net for all seven games as the Golden Knights eliminated Minnesota on Friday. The Golden Knights were none-too-pleased with the shot.

Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog each scored twice as the well-rested Colorado Avalanche made quick work of Vegas with their speed, beating the Golden Knights 7-1 in a skirmish-filled Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

Philipp Grubauer made 18 saves and Gabriel Landeskog scored the go-ahead goal in the second period to lift Colorado to a series sweep of the St. Louis Blues with a 5-2 win in Game 4 of the West Division series.

Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen combined for eight points and 16 shots of the Avalanche's 50 shots against St. Louis.

Tyson Jost scored two of Colorado’s five second-period goals as the Avalanche clinched the West Division and the top overall seed in the NHL playoffs with a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

Workers put the finishing touches on the temporary ice rink, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, built at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort, that will host two NHL games, this weekend at Stateline, Nev. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)STATELINE, Nev. – Some players snapped pictures of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains as they came out for their first look at the picturesque outdoor rink that will host a pair of NHL games this weekend. This is a drop the mic type outdoor rink. The guys really, really enjoyed it today. The only thing we’re missing is fans.”AdWith the COVID-19 pandemic limiting attendance at games, the NHL took the opportunity to hold a pair of outdoor games at a unique setting unlike the 30 previous outdoor games at stadiums.

Draisaitl has won the Hart Trophy as MVP after leading the NHL in scoring. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)EDMONTON, AB – The Stanley Cup Final is in Edmonton, and Oilers star Leon Draisaitl made history Monday night. Draisaitl became the first German player to win the Hart Trophy as MVP after leading the league in scoring with 110 points in 71 games. Draisaitl is the second Oilers player to win the Hart in the past four years following Connor McDavid, who is widely considered the best hockey player in the world. “But there’s nothing that comes ahead of the Stanley Cup.

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2019, file photo, St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, right, is congratulated as he passes the team box after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Denver. Tarasenko makes his return after early season shoulder surgery that limited him to three goals in 10 games. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Ditto for St. Louis, the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Blues and Avalanche were navigating through some key injuries before the season was halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The hiatus allowed time to heal and now the top two teams in the Western Conference return as Cup favorites. The two teams get things rolling Sunday in Edmonton by facing each other to kick off a round-robin tournament to determine seeding in the West. It should be a fun ride.Back on the ice for the Blues is forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who underwent shoulder surgery in late October.