Elliotte Friedman has words for Darcy Kuemper, Nathan MacKinnon

It seemed like the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning had simply run into a better opponent in their quest to become the 1st National Hockey League team to win three straight titles since the legendary New York Islanders teams of the early 1980's. 

In Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the powerful Colorado Avalanche, the Lightning were outscored by an 11-3 margin, while goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy looked human for the first time in a long time. And things didn't appear to be going so well for the Bolts as the series shifted to the friendly confines of Amalie Arena for Game 3 last night, as Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog gave the Avs the early 1-0 lead.

However, it was all Bolts from there, as they loudly declared to the Avalanche and the hockey world that they weren't going to give up the Cup without a fight. They managed to put a six-spot on the board, chasing goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the net and clawing their way back into the series. 

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman had words for the Lightning, praising their experience and depth. 

 "I'm not surprised to see this - as series' go on, the Lightning get better. The one thing I'd be concerned for Colorado is just that Kuemper struggled last night. I talked to a coach today, and he really liked Kuemper as a goalie, but the only thing that concerns him about Kuemper is that when he gives up goals or has a bad day, his body language isn't great. And he worries about Kuemper's confidence in the game."

Meanwhile, Friedman also shared his thoughts on sniper Nathan MacKinnon, who has yet to find the back of the net in the Final. 

"The other thing is that we're still waiting for MacKinnon time," he said. "I still think Nathan MacKinnon has to arrive in this series, and if he does, that's big for the Avalanche." 

Game 4 of the Final is Wednesday night.