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. The Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series, dragging the Panthers back to Alberta. Florida has now lost twice with the Stanley Cup within their grasp.
Heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, the Oilers are likely feeling the heightened expectations to win. The stakes have been elevated for both teams, bringing them to a more balanced state of pressure. The goal is closer now for the Oilers, making the competition even more intense.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after losing Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. The Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of shot attempts. Despite this, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game.
Maurice expressed optimism, stating that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he said. The Panthers have consistently been dominant in 5-on-5 play all season, with only a brief lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Throughout the season, the Panthers have demonstrated strong 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 noted. The team's consistent performance in 5-on-5 situations gives them confidence heading into the crucial Game 6.
Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, holds tremendous stakes 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 aim to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Both teams understand the magnitude of the situation. "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," Maurice remarked. He believes that the pressure has evened out in this series, saying, "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."
Despite the setbacks, the Panthers remain confident. "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," Maurice emphasized. Their strong 5-on-5 play remains a key element of their game plan. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," he reiterated.
As both teams prepare for what could be a series-defining Game 6, the electric atmosphere at Rogers Place is expected to contribute to a high-stakes, dramatic showdown. The Oilers’ momentum and the Panthers’ determination promise a thrilling contest as both teams strive to inch closer to lifting the coveted Stanley Cup.