The Stanley Cup is the most difficult trophy to win in all of sports. 16 wins are needed, over four rounds, in the span of two months, while playing every other day with travel on off days. Not to mention that playoff hockey is much more intense and physical compared to the regular season.
By the time the finals comes around, every player on both teams is banged up and dealing with some type of injury. Just being healthy and well enough to play is half the battle.
Some players have to endure much harsher injuries, as was the case with Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin, who was dealing with a swollen, black and blue foot.
Nichushkin was able to fight through the injury and ended up playing nearly 23 minutes, the most by any forward on the Avalanche. His gutsy effort helped Colorado win their first Stanley Cup in 21 years when they defeated the Lightning in Game six by a score of 2-1.
He will now enjoy some much needed and deserved time off in order to heal his foot and of course celebrate with his teammates, family and friends.
