Burakovsky Boost Could Help Colorado

Things didn’t necessarily go to plan for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday when they failed to kill off the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final. Instead, the Lightning managed to hit back and keep their dreams alive by winning game five 3-2, but there could be a boost on the way to ensure it’s the Avalanche who end up victorious.

As things stand, it’s Colorado who have the Stanley Cup within their grasp. And one more victory will see them go on to lift the trophy. However, if they don’t pick up the all-important victory that they’re looking for, it could mean that there will be a deciding game to play. And, you would suggest that the momentum at that point would be well and truly with the Lightning. But the Avalanche have a secret weapon up their sleeve in the form of forward Andre Burakovsky.

At the time of writing, Colorado are checking on Buravkovsky’s fitness day-to-day, with no plans to play the Sweden international if he’s not ready. But, there is growing optimism in the camp that he could be involved, with coach Jared Bednar saying, “I think he’s a possibility for us. He’s travelling with us.” Bednar also added that the forward “may be in the lineup,” which would undoubtedly be a massive boost for everyone.

Burakovsky has missed the last three games after picking up a hand injury in Game 2 when blocking a shot. And while everyone was concerned by the injury, it was always felt that Burakovsky would make a comeback before the Stanley Cup winner is determined. And not only that, there was always hope that the twenty-seven-year-old would be the man to help get the Avalanche across the line, which could still prove to be the case.

Where the playoff games are concerned, Burakovsky has racked up three goals and five assists in thirteen outings for the Avalanche. So, it’s clear that their recent stumble is something that his contributions could have prevented. In Game 1, the Austrian-native was on hand to score the overtime winner. And, in Game 2, he scored as the Avalanche smashed the Lightning 7-0.

After being on the end of a reverse last time out and knowing that another bad result will see a game 7 decider come into play, you could say that it’s the mental boost that a fit and firing Burakovsky could provide that may prove pivotal. The Avalanche will know that they have one of their star players back, one who has contributed in the two games he’s played thus far.

And, in terms of Burakovsky himself, he will most likely take to the ice with a point to prove, with the bit between his teeth. Yes, he was able to contribute in the opening two games, but if he wants to help his team lift the Stanley Cup without needing a decider, he will have to be on top goalscoring form.