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.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. Florida has been dragged back to Alberta, and the Oilers now share their burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building. They head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, where the Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up. The stakes are high now for both teams. The goal is closer for the Oilers, which evens out the playing field.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after a 5-3 loss in Game 5. Despite the setback, the Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, Florida trailed 4-1 for much of the game. Coach Maurice expressed optimism, saying that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice said. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, with only a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have been consistent in their 5-on-5 play for the most part. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice noted. With Game 6 set for Friday night at Rogers Place, the stakes are significant 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 also try to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
The coaches and players have weighed in on the newfound pressure both teams are feeling. "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," Maurice commented. "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]. The stakes are 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 reiterated his confidence in the Panthers' 5-on-5 game, highlighting their consistency throughout the year. "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 said. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
As Game 6 approaches, both teams are acutely aware of the immense pressure and high stakes involved. The Panthers are determined to capitalize on their strong 5-on-5 play, while the Oilers, buoyed by McDavid's stellar performances, are seeking to make history by forcing a decisive Game 7. The outcome of Friday's game will play a crucial role in determining the path of this thrilling Stanley Cup Final series.