Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice believes the pressure in the Stanley Cup Final has "evened out" now that the Edmonton Oilers have rallied to force a Game 6. The Panthers had taken a commanding 3-0 series lead before Edmonton stormed back to win the last two games.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. Florida has been dragged back to Alberta with their initial lead now seeming less significant. The Oilers, who appeared on the brink of defeat, now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. The Panthers, staring at what seemed like an imminent victory, have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building.
The Panthers head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. The Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up, and both teams are now acutely aware of the stakes. The goal feels closer for the Oilers, and as Maurice noted, that part evens out the pressure for both sides.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after a 5-3 loss in Game 5. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated for long stretches, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game, making recovery difficult.
Maurice expressed optimism, pointing out that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he said, highlighting the team's inconsistency. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year and need to regain that form to fend off the surging Oilers.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Throughout the season, the Panthers have shown considerable strength in 5-on-5 play, which has been a cornerstone of their strategy. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice emphasized. Despite a lapse in Game 4 that lasted for a period and a half, the team has mostly been consistent in their approach. This consistency will be crucial as they face the pressure of a must-win Game 6.
The stakes of Friday night's game at Rogers Place are immense for both teams. Edmonton is vying to become just the third team in NHL history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final. If successful, they would also try to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Reflecting on the evolving dynamics of the series, Maurice noted, "When you have nothing to lose, there's a freedom to that. When you have something to protect, sometimes you feel the pressure to protect it." He added, "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer between us." This psychological aspect is key as both teams approach this critical juncture.
With both teams now feeling the pressure, Maurice believes the goal is equally within reach for both sides. "The stake is there now more for both teams, where it was just for us. The goal is closer now for them and now that part evens out, I believe," he said. He expressed confidence in his team, reiterating, "We are that team. I mean, we've been that team all year. We had a little bit of a lapse in Game 4 here for a period and a half. But for the most part, we've been pretty consistent with it."
As the series has progressed, the battle has intensified, and the Panthers must leverage their consistent 5-on-5 play to fend off the Oilers' surging momentum. Both teams are preparing to give their all in what promises to be a high-stakes Game 6. The Panthers will look to avoid a Game 7 scenario, while the Oilers are desperate to keep their historic comeback hopes alive. Friday night's game will undoubtedly be a thrilling and pivotal moment in this year's Stanley Cup Final.