The phrase may be overused, but we know for sure that the Stanley Cup Playoffs is a battle of attrition; the healthiest team standing at the end is usually the one who comes out on top. And throughout all the shows on WDAE, we talk a lot about a champion's will and the heart of a champion.
This is not to say the Colorado Avalanche were not dealing with injuries of their own; of course they were. Usually a team does not disclose the specifics of an injury during the season, but does reveal specifics afterward, and on Tuesday, Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois announced the extent of the injuries suffered by the Tampa Bay Lightning during this courageous playoff run.
When you read the names and the maladies, you'll understand exactly what this team's heart is all about.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare -- Suffered a meniscus injury BEFORE the playoffs
Brayden Point -- "Significant" tear of quad muscle
Anthony Cirelli -- AC joint sprain in one shoulder during Rangers series, dislocation of the other shoulder during the final
Brandon Hagel -- Fractured his foot during the Florida series
Nick Paul -- AC joint sprain in one shoulder and and MCL sprain suffered during the final
Corey Perry -- AC joint sprain in shoulder
Ryan McDonagh -- "Mangled" finger after blocking shot in Rangers series
Nikita Kucherov -- Sprained MCL suffered during final
"To be honest, every player on the roster had multiple contusions along the way," BriseBois said, also adding that all players are expected to make full recoveries from their injuries over the summer.
Cover Photo: Getty Images