Avalanche vs. Lightning score: Colorado takes 1-0 series lead after overtime game-winner from Burakovsky

It took overtime, but the Colorado Avalanche have a 1-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final after a thrilling Game 1 finish.

Andre Burakovsky played hero for the Avalanche by netting the game-winner, finishing off a strong effort by his team on home ice.

The Avs came out with their hair on fire in the first period, as they jumped out to a 3-1 lead and put the Bolts on their heels.

Tampa Bay, one of the most poised teams in the NHL, struck back in the second period to tie the game, scoring two goals in just 48 seconds from Ondrej Palat and Mikhail Sergachev.

Colorado thoroughly dominated the third period, but Andrei Vasilevskiy helped Tampa Bay escape regulation and get to overtime.

However, the Lightning couldn't survive the barrage from the Avs much longer. After a bad turnover by Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, Valeri Nichuskin slid Burakovsky a beautiful feed, and he ripped a shot into a gaping cage.

Tampa Bay will try to even up the series in Game 2, which is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Before we get to that, here are a few takeaways from Colorado's Game 1 victory.

Tampa Bay will try to even up the series in Game 2, which is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Before we get to that, here are a few takeaways from Colorado's Game 1 victory.

Avalanche Overwhelm Lightning The list of teams that can make the Lightning look like they are in over their heads is very short. In fact, it might be just one team long. The Avalanche were clearly the better team in Game 1. It's as simple as that.

No matter how you slice it, the Avs took it to the back-to-back champs in the opening game. At five-on-five, Colorado generated 2.60 expected goals to Tampa Bay's 1.05, per Natural Stat Trick. When it comes to special teams, the Avalanche had the edge there too. Colorado converted on one of its three power plays and got some quality chances on the other two.

Meanwhile, the Avs' penalty kill unit completely silenced a lethal Lightning man advantage on all three opportunities. The Lightning are a resilient team — you don't win two straight Stanley Cups without that quality — but they need a much better effort in order to get this series tied heading back to Tampa.