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. Now, the intensity and the stakes have shifted, putting pressure on both teams as they prepare for the next pivotal matchup.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence by the Oilers can be attributed largely to back-to-back four-point performances by their star player, Connor McDavid. His phenomenal play has ignited Edmonton's comeback, showing why he is considered one of the best players in the world.
Florida has been dragged back to Alberta, with the Oilers now sharing 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 to the tension and anticipation.
The Panthers head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, where the expectation for a win is equally strong for both teams. The opportunity for both to advance or falter is palpable, making this game a crucial juncture in the series.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday, having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. The game saw the Panthers dominate for long stretches, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game, making their comeback efforts insufficient to secure a win.
Maurice expressed optimism, believing his team could build on their performance for Game 6 despite the loss. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice noted. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year and look to leverage this strength moving forward.
Indeed, the team only had a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, according to Maurice. Other than that, their consistency in 5-on-5 situations has been a hallmark of their play throughout the season and the playoffs.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have shown resilience and consistency in their 5-on-5 play, which Maurice reiterated: "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game." This confidence will be crucial as they head into Game 6, needing to capitalize on their strengths to fend off Edmonton’s resurgence.
Both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. 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 aim to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Reflecting on the situation, 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. There’s an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]."
He added, "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 belief underscores the delicate balance of momentum and pressure that characterizes high-stakes playoff hockey.
The Panthers’ confidence in their system and their 5-on-5 play remains unshaken. "We are that team. I mean, we've been that team all year," said Maurice. "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." These comments highlight the team's faith in their established playing style and their determination to stick to what has worked throughout the season.
Friday night's Game 6 at Rogers Place holds tremendous stakes for both teams. With Edmonton looking to continue their improbable comeback and Florida aiming to close out the series, the intensity of the matchup is undeniable. Fans from both sides eagerly anticipate the next chapter in what has become an enthralling Stanley Cup Final series.