‘Good Stick Lehky’ Snubbed in Shocking Fashion: Avalanche’s 30 Greatest List Sparks Outrage as Artturi Lehkonen Left Out!

“He scored the series-clinching goal in the Western Conference Finals AND the Stanley Cup Final — yet he’s nowhere to be found on the ‘30 Greatest in 30 Years’ list!? That’s a slap in the face to anyone who’s ever called him ‘Good Stick Lehky.’”

The Colorado Avalanche recently unveiled their “30 Greatest Players in 30 Years” list — a celebration meant to honor the franchise’s legends. But instead of a unanimous cheer from the fanbase, the list has set off a firestorm of debate. The reason? Artturi Lehkonen, the hero of the 2022 Stanley Cup run, was completely left out.

The man for the biggest moments

Lehkonen isn’t the type to dominate headlines week after week. But when it comes to delivering in the clutch, few in the current Avalanche roster can match his impact. In the 2022 Western Conference Final, he scored the overtime winner to send Colorado to the Stanley Cup Final. Then, in the championship series, it was Lehkonen again who delivered the dagger — the goal that clinched the Cup.

Overlooked because he’s not a franchise superstar?

Some argue that the list rewards longevity and all-around statistical dominance over short bursts of brilliance. But many Avalanche faithful believe those iconic, high-pressure goals are exactly the moments that define a franchise’s history — and should be celebrated accordingly.

Fan backlash is real

Across social media, the hashtag #GoodStickLehky has been making waves as fans voice their frustration. Comparisons have been drawn to other “clutch players” in NHL history — players who might not have racked up decades of stats, but who came through when it mattered most.

A debate far from over

What should carry more weight: years of consistent contribution, or unforgettable, history-making moments? The Avalanche’s omission of Lehkonen has ignited a bigger conversation about how greatness is truly measured in sports.

For many, leaving “Good Stick Lehky” off the list isn’t just an oversight — it’s a blemish on the team’s 30th anniversary celebration. And until that debate is settled, Lehkonen will remain the symbol of what some fans see as one of the most glaring snubs in Avalanche history.