MacKinnon finally wins Cup with Avalanche after years of disappointment

Nathan MacKinnon's playoffs last season ended in frustrating fashion.

After a second-round loss to the Golden Knights, MacKinnon didn't hold back

MacKinnon and the Avalanche were crowned Stanley Cup champions on Sunday night.

Colorado defeated Tampa Bay in six games of the finals, stopping the two-time defending champions from a historic three-peat. It is the franchise's third Stanley Cup win and first since 2001.

It is the franchise's third Stanley Cup win and first since 2001.

MacKinnon was a critical part of the team's success in both the regular season and the playoffs.

After securing 88 points in just 65 games in the regular season, MacKinnon led the Avs in goals during the playoffs, finishing fourth on the team in points

And it's fitting that in the final game of the series, it was MacKinnon who was a part of two goals.

Last season, the Avalanche were the best team in hockey, winning the Presidents' Trophy for the best record in the league. But they failed again to get out of the second round, losing to the Golden Knights in six games.

That resulted in MacKinnon giving his infamous quote about failing to win anything. He can't say that now.

A kid from Halifax who faced criticism when he was younger with the heavy expectations on his shoulder is now a champion.