May 27, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Darren Helm (43) reacts after scoring the game winning goal against St. Louis Blues goaltender Ville Husso (35) during the third period in game six of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
NHLBy Matt Clapp on

The Colorado Avalanche are going to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2002, and they secured that berth in dramatic fashion.

With Game 6 tied 2-2, Colorado’s Darren Helm scored a goal with 5.6 seconds remaining in the third period to give the Avalanche a series-clinching road victory over the St. Louis Blues on Friday night.

The Avalanche trailed 1-0 into the second period, and they trailed 2-1 into the third period. After a brutal collapse to lose Game 5, it had to be very satisfying for Colorado — the heavy favorite entering the series — to come back twice and come through in the clutch to put away the series in Game 6.

J.T. Compher scored game-tying goals twice in Game 6.

The Avalanche will face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals. Five Thirty Eight gives Colorado a 70 percent chance to win the series.

Here’s a look at how hockey fans are reacting to the Avs’ wild win to reach the Western Conference Finals:

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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