Nichushkin dominating for Avalanche in Stanley Cup Final
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By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
Colorado’s Valeri Nichushkin has been the best player on the ice through three games of the Stanley Cup Final against two-time defending champion Tampa Bay. The Avalanche lead the Lightning 2-1 in the series thanks in large part to the big winger’s contributions. Nichushkin is tied for the team lead with three goals and has eight this playoffs. That’s a big step up for a player whose playoff career began with three points in 28 games and included a 25-game goal drought. Nichushkin is hoping to hoist the Cup four years after Alex Ovechkin did as captain of the Washington Capitals.