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 the Oilers' star, Connor McDavid. Florida has now 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, heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. The Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up, as the stakes are now high for both teams. The goal is closer for the Oilers, contributing to the evening out of pressure felt by both sides.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday, having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. The Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods, where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. Despite trailing 4-1 for much of the game, 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," he remarked. 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 team has been consistent in their 5-on-5 play for the most part, and Maurice feels confident of their ability to compete against any opponent. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," he emphasized.
Game 6, set for Friday night 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 also be the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
When asked about the pressure dynamics in the series, 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 reiterated his confidence in the Panthers' 5-on-5 game: "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. We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
As Game 6 approaches, both teams find themselves under significant pressure. The Panthers, once on the verge of clinching the Stanley Cup, must now confront an Edmonton team that has surged back into contention, driven by the stellar play of Connor McDavid. On the other side, the Oilers must navigate the newfound expectations that come with their remarkable comeback. The stakes, high for both teams, promise an electrifying showdown on Friday night.