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. The dynamic forward has been virtually unstoppable, helping lead his team back from the brink of elimination. Florida, once comfortably ahead, now finds itself heading back to Alberta for a critical Game 6.
The Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. Both teams face immense stakes as the series extends, with each side feeling the weight of their own expectations.
The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, a disheartening scenario that certainly ramps up the tension heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida returned to Edmonton on Thursday after a 5-3 defeat in Game 5. Despite the loss, the Panthers showed promising signs, especially dominating long stretches in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game, revealing lapses that need addressing.
Maurice expressed optimism, suggesting that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he noted, indicating specific areas for improvement. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, a trend they aim to continue in the upcoming game.
Indeed, the Panthers only had a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, showing their resilience and consistency in 5-on-5 scenarios.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The team has been consistently strong 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 added. This confidence is crucial as they prepare for a pivotal matchup with the Oilers.
The significance of Game 6 cannot be overstated. Scheduled for Friday night at Rogers Place, it holds tremendous stakes for both teams. Should Edmonton win, they would 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 then aim to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
As the tension mounts, both coaches and players have provided insights into their mindset. "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," said Maurice. This sentiment reflects the shift in dynamics as the series progresses.
"There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]," Maurice continued. "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." This view underscores the balanced nature of the current situation, with both teams feeling the heat.
Reflecting further on their performance, Maurice stated, "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 confidence in the team’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure is evident.
Overall, the Panthers’ coach remains confident in his team's 5-on-5 game. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," Maurice asserted. As Game 6 approaches, this steadfast confidence will be critical in guiding the Panthers through the high-stakes encounter against the surging Oilers.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense and closely contested Game 6, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for a thrilling showdown. The Panthers aim to recapture their early series dominance, while the Oilers hope to ride their momentum to a historic comeback.