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 were in a commanding position, holding a 3-0 series lead before Edmonton surged back to win the last two games. This shift in momentum has introduced a new dynamic to the series.
McDavid's Impact
Key to Edmonton's resurgence has been back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His stellar play has revived the Oilers' hopes and thrust the pressure back onto the Panthers. With two consecutive wins, the Oilers have managed to delay Florida's celebration by dragging the series back to Alberta.
The Panthers have now found themselves in unfamiliar territory—they have lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building. As they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, both teams are increasingly aware of the stakes.
Reflecting on Game 5
Following the 5-3 loss in Game 5, the Panthers returned to Edmonton on Thursday, having experienced their fair share of frustration. Despite dominating for long stretches, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts, Florida trailed 4-1 for much of the game.
Paul Maurice expressed optimism, noting that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice stated. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, showing consistency and resiliency. However, a lapse in Game 4, lasting a period and a half, has become a critical talking point.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Throughout the season, Florida has shown strong 5-on-5 play. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice affirmed. As the Panthers prepare for Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, the stakes are exceedingly high for both teams.
With momentum on their side, the Oilers are aiming 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, Edmonton would also attempt to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Commenting on the evolving pressure between the two teams, a player 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." This sentiment encapsulates the shifting dynamics of the series.
Maurice elaborated further. "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."
Confidence in their established 5-on-5 play remains strong within the Panthers' camp. "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," a player emphasized.
As Game 6 approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Both teams understand what's at stake. For Edmonton, it's a chance to make history and make an improbable comeback. For Florida, it's an opportunity to finally close out the series and hoist the Stanley Cup. The pressure, as Maurice suggests, has indeed evened out, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
The Panthers, dominant in 5-on-5 play and seasoned through this challenging season, will need to draw upon all their resources and push past the surging Oilers. Conversely, the Oilers will rely heavily on McDavid's brilliance and the momentum they've built over the last two games.
Friday night at Rogers Place promises to be a high-stakes, high-drama affair, with both teams giving their all in pursuit of the ultimate prize in hockey. Whether Florida can weather the storm and lift the Cup or Edmonton can continue their improbable rally remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Game 6 will be one for the ages.