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, changing the dynamics of this high-stakes encounter.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence is thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His explosive play has reinvigorated the Oilers, dragging the series back to Alberta and making the Panthers feel the mounting pressure.
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 poised to be awarded, a stark reminder of how close yet how far they still are from glory.
Preparing for Game 6
The Panthers head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, a venue that promises to be electric with the expectation resting heavily on the Oilers. Edmonton fans will be hoping to see their team continue its remarkable comeback, a rally that only a handful of teams in NHL history have managed.
The stakes have now heightened for both teams, making every shift and play critical. Maurice emphasized that the goal is closer now for the Oilers, and that pressure has leveled between the two teams.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated for long stretches, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. This dominant play, however, was not enough to overcome an early deficit.
Florida trailed 4-1 for much of the game, making their spirited fightback too little too late. 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 noted. The Panthers, known for their 5-on-5 dominance throughout the season, will need to harness that play style to stave off the surging Oilers.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have been consistent in their 5-on-5 play for the most part throughout the season. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice stated confidently. He pointed out that the only lapse came in Game 4 for a period and a half, underscoring the team's ability to compete at the highest level when playing their preferred style.
For Florida, Friday night's Game 6 holds tremendous stakes. Should Edmonton prevail, they would become just the third team in NHL history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final. More remarkably, they would aim to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup after such a deficit.
Quotes and Perspectives
In reflecting on the series, Maurice shared insights into his team's mindset. "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 explained. This dynamic is now at play for both teams, who feel the weight of their respective journeys.
"There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]," Maurice continued. With the Panthers no longer the sole focus of pressure, the series has taken on a new, balanced tension. "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 also emphasized the team's overall consistency and confidence. "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 Panthers prepare for what promises to be a thrilling Game 6, their focus remains steadfast on their 5-on-5 play. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," Maurice reiterated, emphasizing the team's core strength.
With the series finely poised, the anticipation for Game 6 continues to build. Fans of both sides know that one more win for the Oilers would set up a dramatic Game 7, a finale that would see the Stanley Cup Final reach an apex of excitement and unpredictability. Meanwhile, the Panthers are determined to halt Edmonton's momentum and claim the championship that seemed nearly within their grasp just two games ago.