The advantage of sweeping a Stanley Cup playoff series is rest and recovery for the next one and potentially open against a tired opponent. The Avalanche appeared set to have those advantages before five of the NHL’s eight first-round series went to Game 7s.
When Colorado finally opens the Western Conference semifinal series against St. Louis on Tuesday or Wednesday, the Blues figure to be fully recovered from their first-round series against Minnesota. The Blues finished off the Wild in six games on Thursday.
The Avs, who compiled their sweep over Nashville on May 9, will have more than a week off between games.