Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice believes that 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, leaving the series hanging in the balance as it shifts back to Alberta.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence by the Oilers has been fueled largely by their star player, Connor McDavid. McDavid has delivered back-to-back four-point performances, re-energizing his team and its fan base. As a result, the once seemingly insurmountable advantage held by the Panthers has dissipated. Now, the Oilers are not only back in the series but also sharing the burden of pressure with Florida.
The Panthers, who have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. As is often the case in sports, the expectations and stakes have ramped up considerably for both squads. For the Oilers, the goal of winning the Stanley Cup is more tangible than ever, which means that the pressure that once sat solely on the Panthers has started to level out.
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 long stretches of the game, particularly during the final two periods, where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. For most of the game, Florida trailed by a 4-1 scoreline, and their efforts to stage a comeback fell short.
Still, Coach Maurice remained optimistic about their chances in Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he said. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play throughout the year, and Maurice believes that the team can build on their overall effort in Game 5.
"We had a little bit of a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, but for the most part, we’ve been pretty consistent with our 5-on-5 game," said Maurice. This consistent play gives them a formidable edge against any opponent.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have prided themselves on being a consistently strong 5-on-5 team. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice reiterated. As they head into Game 6, that consistency will be crucial. Both teams face tremendous pressure and high stakes on Friday night at Rogers Place.
If the Oilers manage to win, they will be just the third team in NHL history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final. Furthermore, they would aim to emulate the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who managed to rally back from a 3-0 deficit to win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
When asked about the evolving dynamics of the series, Maurice reflected, "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 added, "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]."
According to Maurice, the stakes are higher for both teams now. "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."
Edmonton's remarkable recovery has shifted the psychological balance of the series. "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.
The Panthers' confidence in their 5-on-5 play remains unshaken. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," asserted Maurice.
As Game 6 approaches, both the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers face immense pressure and opportunity. The stage is set for a thrilling continuation of what has already been an unforgettable Stanley Cup Final.