Avs or Nuggets, who has the better future? Who cares. The outlook is bright for both teams.

Cheer up, Denver fans. We could be seeing the start of a golden era of sports at the Pepsi Center.

True, the Avalanche and the Nuggets have both been eliminated from the playoffs, but shake a Magic 8-Ball and the message must say “Outlook good. ”

Never in their histories have both teams advanced to the next round in the exact same year. Both franchises have young and talented cores led by 1995-born superstars in Nikola Jokic and Nathan MacKinnon. And having that altitude is definitely a bonus.

Denver Post NHL reporter Mike Chambers believes the Avs should reach the Western Conference final next year: “Expect the Avs to have a more consistent regular season, obtain a home-ice advantage seed and make another playoff jump — progressing to the conference final or outside. ”

In terms of the Nuggets, finishing second in the season in the hellacious Western Conference is not an easy task. And 14 games of postseason experience — including two Game 7s — is going to go a long ways with this young squad.

Here’s one thing for certain: the Pepsi Center is going to be rockin’ for many years to come.

— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post

A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99percent; for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.

What’s on Tap?

Rockies: At Boston Red Sox, 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, ATTRM | Buy tickets

TV/RADIO: Here’s what sport are broadcasting now

Check out our new and improved stats page.

Scoreboard

NBA playoffs: Trail Blazers 100, Nuggets 96
Full story | Box score | Photos

MLB: Rockies 10, Padres 7
Full story | Box score

Must-Read
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of this Denver Nuggets defends Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Sunday, May 12, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game seven of those groups round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
Nuggets’ Torrey Craig suffocated Damian Lillard with protection. But when he exited stage left with injury, so did Denver’s season.

If Damian Lillard doesn’t want to check at Torrey Craig’s crooked mug there’s not a soul round the NBA who could blame the man. Read …

+ Kiszla: Nuggets’ Game 7 loss exposes flaws to tackle : 1. Get shooter; 2. Locate star to replace Paul Millsap.

+ With running partner struggling, Portland guard CJ McCollum carries Blazers past Nuggets.

+ Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic takes blame for Game 7 defeat: “I feel responsible. ”

Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche center Colin Wilson (22) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks with Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) in the third period at the Pepsi Center throughout the game four of the Stanley Cup Western Conference semifinals May 02, 2019.
Projecting the Colorado Avalanche 2019-20 roster breakdown. What free agents leave? Who will the Avs sign in their place?

The Avalanche’s offseason has begun, and it’s going to be an extremely busy one for manager Joe Sakic and his team. Read …

Hyoung Chang, The Denver PostENGLEWOOD, CO – May 11: Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, second from right, is talking to quarterback Drew Lock (3), right, during the Denver Broncos Rookie Mini Camp at Dove Valley. May 11, 2019. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Joe, meet Drew: Broncos rookies, veterans start to get know each other Monday

The Broncos veterans and rookies (minus Harris) will be on the exact same field Monday for the first time when organized team activities begin. Coach Vic Fangio has scheduled nine OTAs and three mandatory minicamp practices . Here are four storylines for OTAs (Monday-Tuesday and Thursday and May 20-21, 23 and 29-31) and mandatory minicamp (June 4-6). Read …

Quick Hits

+ Jessica Andrade stuns Colorado’s Rose Namajunas to win strawweight belt at UFC 237.

+ DJ Johnson taking early struggles in stride as Rockies’ right-hander attempts to re-cement bullpen spot.

+ Broncos rookie LB Joe Dineen expects to follow in ex-Kansas players’ footsteps.

+ As Rockies OF David Dahl cements himself in the majors, his wife has turned into her own celebrity in the professional sports world.

+ Why Rockies lefty Tyler Anderson is calling in help, and second opinion, in battle over his wounded knee.

+ Rockies reliever Seunghwan Oh, amid the worst funk of his profession, needs better control to turn his season around.

+ A “great” opening day of camp for Broncos rookie QB Drew Lock.

+ 3-star QB Brendon Lewis commits to CU Buffs.

+ Kickin’ it with Kiz: Hey, Blazers fans: Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr is 20-year-old knucklehead. What is Evan Turner’s excuse?

+ Colorado Rapids podcast: Another loss, Kei Kamara Twitter feud, and a great deal of Primary Transfer Window trades.

+ Colorado Rapids are still winless on the season after falling at home to Real Salt Lake.

Post Mailbag forms

+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the group? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.

+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the group? Ask Mike Singer here.

+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the group? Ask Mike Chambers here.

+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the group? Ask Patrick Saunders here.

By The Numbers

5.70

The Rockies’ starting rotation’s ERA entering the weekend, the worst in Major League Baseball. Read …

Parting Shot
Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrate with Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) after MacKinnon scored against the San Jose Sharks in the next period at the Pepsi Center throughout the game four of the Stanley Cup Western Conference semifinals May 02, 2019.
Chambers: Avalanche should reach the Western Conference final in 2020 — bank on it

The Avs will trim some of the fat this offseason and come back thinner and stronger in September, and perhaps with a free-agent splash or a 2019 first-round draft pick (they have the No. 4 and No. 16 overall selections). Read …

Get in Touch

If you see something which ’s cause for query or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at [email protected] or tweet me @danielboniface.