MacKinnon tells team not to smile during WCF photo with unfinished business ahead
It took the Avs and Nathan MacKinnon 9 years to get past the second round, as MacKinnon said prior to the playoffs, "I've been in the league 9 years and haven't won't shit." Well Nate, you've finally won a Conference Title. Of course, that's not the ultimate goal of any NHL team, but usually when a team wins a conference they at least smile for their photos.
They've slayed their second round demons and have flown through each round of the playoffs. For the Avalanche and MacKinnon though, they have the mindset where it's the Cup or nothing. When receiving the Clarence S. Campbell Trophy and having their team photo taken, MacKinnon could be seen telling the team "no smiling".
I can't say I've ever not seen a team smile during the conference championship photos, or have a player tell the team not to smile, but it's an indication of just how much Mack and the team want it. I had the Avs winning the West, but I didn't think they would do it so easily, but with at least a few extra days off while Tampa and the Rangers battle in the East, they'll be fresh, ready and waiting for their opponent, whoever it may be, for the Stanley Cup Finals.
