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, altering the dynamics of this high-stakes series.
McDavid's Impact: A Game-Changer
Edmonton's resurgence is due in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. Florida has effectively been dragged back to Alberta, where the revived 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, a scenario that has significantly upped the ante for both teams.
Pressure Mounting
As they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, the Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up. With the series now at 3-2, the stakes are elevated for both teams, and the Oilers' chances of seizing the Cup have strengthened. "The goal is closer now for the Oilers, and now that part evens out," Maurice observed.
Reflecting on Game 5: A Missed Opportunity?
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. During much of the game, they trailed 4-1, but Maurice expressed optimism, saying that his team could build on their solid effort for Game 6.
"I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice said, highlighting the significance of a strong start. The Panthers have been a formidable force in 5-on-5 play throughout the year, demonstrating consistency that Maurice believes will serve them well moving forward.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play: The Backbone of Florida’s Game
The Panthers' success this season can largely be attributed to their consistent performance in 5-on-5 play. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice stated. Despite a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, the team has generally maintained a high level of play, which they aim to replicate in the upcoming game.
The Historical Context: Edmonton's Aspirations
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 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
Maurice’s perspective on the evolving pressure dynamics is insightful. "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 explained. This sentiment could resonate deeply within the Panthers' locker room as they brace for another intense contest.
Adding to the mix, the clear shift in pressure has not gone unnoticed by either team. "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]," Maurice noted. "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."
Florida’s self-belief remains unshaken. "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," emphasized Maurice, underscoring their resilient 5-on-5 game. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
As Game 6 looms, it's clear that both teams are acutely aware of what is at stake. For the Panthers, it's a chance to reclaim their initial dominance and secure the Stanley Cup. For the Oilers, it’s a historic opportunity to complete an epic comeback. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Ultimately, the series' outcome may hinge on which team best navigates the mounting pressure and seizes the decisive moments. The clock is ticking, and soon, one team will emerge victorious, cementing its place in NHL history.