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 with a vengeance, winning the last two games and breathing new life into their championship aspirations.
McDavid's Impact
This remarkable resurgence can be attributed in no small part to the extraordinary performances of Oilers' star Connor McDavid. With back-to-back four-point games, McDavid has single-handedly shifted the momentum of the series. His contributions have dragged the Panthers back to Alberta and instilled a sense of belief in his team.
With the Oilers now sharing the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series, the expectations to win have intensified for both teams. For the Panthers, the reality of losing twice with the Stanley Cup within reach has introduced its own set of challenges heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida returned to Edmonton on Thursday after a disappointing 5-3 loss in Game 5. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, particularly in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they found themselves trailing 4-1 for much of the game, a deficit that proved insurmountable despite their efforts.
Coach Maurice expressed optimism about his team's chances in Game 6, stating, "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes." He emphasized that the Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year and believe that they can build on their consistent performance.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers' success this season has largely been driven by their consistent 5-on-5 play. Maurice confidently stated, "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game." This confidence will be crucial as the team prepares for a high-stakes Game 6, knowing that a victory would place them on the brink of capturing the Stanley Cup.
For the Oilers, the potential to force a Game 7 is a tantalizing prospect. If successful, they would become just the third team in NHL history to achieve this feat after losing the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final. They would also aim to replicate the monumental comeback of the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who rallied back to win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
The series has now reached a point where both teams feel the pressure equally. Maurice commented, "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]. 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's confidence remains unshaken as he reiterated, "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 final words on the topic embody the Panthers' steadfast belief in their abilities: "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
As Game 6 looms, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Panthers look to reclaim their dominance and close out the series, while the Oilers are fueled by the hopes of completing a historic comeback. With both teams facing immense pressure, Friday night's game at Rogers Place promises to be a thrilling and decisive chapter in this year's Stanley Cup Final.