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, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence can be attributed significantly to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His stellar play has helped drag the series back to Alberta, infusing his team with renewed confidence and hope. With the Oilers now sharing the burden of pressure, the dynamic of the series has shifted dramatically.
The Panthers have now returned to familiar territory but under different circumstances—they will play Game 6 at Rogers Place with the Stanley Cup still tantalizingly within reach. However, having lost twice with the Cup in the building, Florida is wary of the growing expectations swirling around their formidable opponents.
Reflecting on Game 5
Upon arriving back in Edmonton on Thursday, Florida had to reflect on their 5-3 loss in Game 5. Despite the defeat, the Panthers dominated for long stretches, particularly in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. Coach Maurice expressed optimism, indicating that his team could build on their effort for Game 6.
"I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice noted. "The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, and we only had a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half."
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Florida's success this season can largely be attributed to their consistent 5-on-5 play. Maurice emphasized that the team is comfortable against any opponent in such scenarios. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," he stated, injecting a note of confidence into his assessment.
As both teams prepare for Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, the stakes couldn't be higher. If the Oilers win, they will become only the third team in NHL history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final. They aim to match the feat of the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who rallied back to win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Both Maurice and his players echoed the sentiment that the pressure has now reached an equilibrium. "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. There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]," Maurice observed.
"The stake is there now more for both teams, where it was just for us. The goal is closer now for them, and that evens it out," he added. Despite the recent setbacks, Maurice remains steadfast in his belief in his team's ability. "We are that team. 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."
The Panthers' strategy has revolved around their consistent 5-on-5 play, an area in which they have excelled all season. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," Maurice reiterated, perhaps offering a glimpse into his game plan for the crucial upcoming matchup.
As Game 6 looms, both teams find themselves under immense pressure—but also with a monumental opportunity. For Edmonton, the chance to etch their names into the annals of NHL history is tantalizingly close. For Florida, it is about finally seizing the moment and securing the Cup after coming so close. With the series momentum shifting and each team's determination apparent, fans can expect a thrilling encounter on Friday night.