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 an exciting climax to the championship.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence is thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His brilliance on the ice has been the catalyst for Edmonton's resurgence, inspiring his teammates and igniting the hope that they can complete the comeback.
With the series shifting back to Alberta, the Oilers now share the Panthers' burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into contention. For Florida, the hope of clinching the championship has been deferred twice, making Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday even more critical.
The Panthers have faced the daunting reality of losing twice with the Stanley Cup tantalizingly close. They are now tasked with halting Edmonton's momentum in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the defeat, the Panthers showed moments of dominance, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. This dominance, however, was not enough to overcome an early 4-1 deficit.
Maurice expressed optimism about his team's chances in Game 6, noting the effort put forth during Game 5. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he said. "The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year," he continued, stressing the importance of maintaining that level of play consistently.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have prided themselves on their consistent 5-on-5 play throughout the season. Maurice emphasized the team's comfort level in these situations, saying, "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game." This consistency will be crucial as they face a revitalized Oilers team in Game 6.
Friday night's game at Rogers Place holds tremendous stakes for both teams. Edmonton is vying 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, they would try to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Both coaches and players have acknowledged the shifting dynamics of the series. Maurice 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." He added, "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]."
The Panthers' coach believes the heightened stakes now apply to both teams, making the upcoming game a true test of resolve and skill. "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," he stated.
Reflecting on his team's journey, Maurice reiterated his confidence in their abilities. “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 Stanley Cup Final intensifies, the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a high-pressure environment where every shift, shot, and save could alter the course of their destinies. Game 6 is poised to be a defining moment, not just for this series, but in the annals of NHL history.