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, creating a heightened sense of urgency for both teams as they prepare for the next clash.
McDavid's Impact
Edmonton's resurgence has been fueled significantly by back-to-back four-point performances from their star player, Connor McDavid. His exceptional display of skill and leadership has dragged the Florida Panthers back to Alberta, where the pressure is now as evenly distributed as it has been all series.
With the Oilers clawing their way back into contention, they now share the burden of pressure with the Panthers. Florida briefly glimpsed the Stanley Cup in their grasp, only to lose twice with the trophy present in the building. This staggering turnaround has set the stage for a thrilling Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday.
Reflecting on Game 5
Game 5 saw the Florida Panthers return to Edmonton after suffering a 5-3 defeat. Despite dominating for long stretches, particularly in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts, the Panthers trailed for much of the game. The scoreline read 4-1 before Florida managed to tighten the deficit.
Florida’s coach, Paul Maurice, conveyed optimism for the upcoming game, stating that his team could build on their Game 5 efforts. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice said, noting that improvement in their consistent 5-on-5 play would be vital for Game 6.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
One of the hallmarks of the Florida Panthers this season has been their dominance in 5-on-5 situations. Apart from a lapse in Game 4 that lasted for a period and a half, the Panthers have maintained consistency in this aspect of their play. Maurice commented, "We’re comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game."
He emphasized the importance of this stability as the series progresses, reminding everyone that the team has showcased this prowess throughout the year. The stakes for Game 6 are incredibly high for both teams, with Edmonton looking 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. Furthermore, if the Oilers succeed, they would be aiming to replicate the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs by rallying back to win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Speaking about the dynamics of pressure in the series, Maurice noted, "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. There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]."
Both teams now face significant pressure, with the goal of capturing the Stanley Cup feeling within reach for the Oilers just as it is for the Panthers. "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 added.
Reflecting on their journey, he continued, "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 the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers gear up for what promises to be a gripping Game 6, both teams are acutely aware of the high stakes. With the series momentum shifting and pressure intensifying, all eyes will be on Rogers Place come Friday night to see if the Oilers can continue their historic comeback bid or if the Panthers will finally claim the coveted Stanley Cup.