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. As a result, Florida has been dragged back to Alberta. The Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, adding an extra layer of drama and tension to the series.
As the Panthers head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, the Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up. The stakes are higher now for both teams. The goal is closer for the Oilers, and that part evens out the pressure for both sides.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after losing 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," Maurice noted, highlighting the critical areas for improvement.
The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year. This consistency is what Maurice and his team are banking on to bounce back. Maurice explained, "The Panthers only had a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half." This specific detail offers a glimpse into the strategies and mental fortitude the Panthers might employ heading into the crucial Game 6.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The team has been consistent in their 5-on-5 play for the most part, a sentiment echoed by Maurice. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," he asserted. The importance of maintaining this consistency can't be overstated, especially when the stakes are as high as they are now. Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, holds tremendous significance for both teams.
If Edmonton succeeds, they will 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 they go on to win the Cup, they would be only the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to achieve such a remarkable comeback.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Reflecting on the unique pressures faced by each team, 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 believes that an evening out has occurred in the series, and the pressure is now more balanced between the teams. "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."
Such philosophical reflections from Maurice reveal the mental battleground both teams are navigating. "We are that team. I mean, we've been that team all year," he stated, expressing confidence in his squad's resilience and consistency. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," he added, reinforcing his faith in the team's foundational strengths.
As Game 6 approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Both teams stand on the precipice of making history. For the Florida Panthers, it's an opportunity to clinch the title they were so close to securing just days ago. For the Edmonton Oilers, it's a chance to complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NHL history. The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying contest, one that will be remembered for years to come.