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, turning the tide in their favor.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. McDavid's stellar play has been pivotal for Edmonton, providing the spark they needed to stay alive in the series.
Florida has been dragged back to Alberta, where the Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, a testament to the mounting tension on both sides.
The Panthers head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, with both teams feeling the weight of expectation ramping up. The stakes are higher than ever, and the goal of lifting the Stanley Cup has never felt closer for either side.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after losing Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated for long stretches, particularly in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game, a deficit that proved too challenging to overcome.
Coach Maurice expressed optimism, suggesting that his team could build on their effort from Game 5 heading into Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice commented, reflecting on their performance. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, and Maurice believes this will be crucial as they look to close out the series.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have largely been consistent in their 5-on-5 play, a strength they aim to leverage in the upcoming game. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice noted. This consistent play has been a cornerstone of their success throughout the season and will be fundamental in their quest to secure the Stanley Cup.
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 not only push the series to a decisive seventh game but also aim to emulate the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, the only team to rally back from a 3-0 deficit to win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Both sides recognize the shifting dynamics of the series. "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 said, highlighting the evolving nature of pressure in their matchup.
He further elaborated on how the pressure has balanced out between the teams. "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]. 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," Maurice added.
Reflecting on the Panthers' overall performance, Maurice stated, "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." His confidence in the team's 5-on-5 game remains unshaken, as he reiterated, "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
With Game 6 on the horizon, both the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers are aware of the monumental task ahead. The Oilers are on the brink of making history, while the Panthers seek to reclaim their early series dominance and secure their first Stanley Cup. One thing is certain: fans are in for an intense showdown as these teams battle it out under the pressure cooker of playoff hockey.