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. The momentum shift has significantly intensified the stakes for both teams.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His outstanding play has been a crucial factor in dragging the Panthers back to Alberta for Game 6 on Friday.
With the series now standing at 3-2, the Oilers and Panthers share the burden of pressure. The Oilers, having clawed their way back into the series, are starting to feel an increased expectation to win.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after losing Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated long stretches of the game, particularly in the final two periods, where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game, a deficit they could not overcome.
Coach Paul Maurice expressed optimism, noting that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes. We have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year," Maurice said.
The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, adding to the drama as they prepare for the pivotal Game 6. Maurice acknowledged that the team only had a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, and has otherwise been consistent in their 5-on-5 play.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have prided themselves on their consistent 5-on-5 play throughout the season. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice stated confidently. This consistency will be crucial as they face an Edmonton team 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 the Oilers are successful in Game 6, they would attempt to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup after being down 0-3. This historical context adds another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling series.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Speaking on the dynamics of the series, Maurice said, "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."
Maurice reiterated the performance consistency of his team, saying, "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 Game 6 approaches, the pressure and excitement are palpable. Both teams have shown incredible resilience, and the stakes are at their highest. Whether the Oilers can continue their historic comeback attempt or the Panthers can close out the series will be determined on Friday night at Rogers Place. One thing is certain: hockey fans are in for a treat.