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, setting up a tense encounter at Rogers Place on Friday night.
McDavid's Impact
Edmonton's resurgence can be credited largely to their star player, Connor McDavid. McDavid has delivered back-to-back four-point performances, playing a pivotal role in keeping the Oilers' championship dreams alive. His extraordinary form has pulled Florida back to Alberta, leveling the mental playing field. The Oilers are now sharing the burden of pressure, as they've successfully clawed their way back into the series.
The Panthers have now lost two opportunities to clinch the Stanley Cup with the trophy present in the building. As the teams head into Game 6, the expectation to win is ramping up for Edmonton, who now sense that their end goal is within reach.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after a difficult Game 5, which saw them lose by a 5-3 margin. Despite the defeat, the Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the last two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they were trailing 4-1 for the majority of the game.
Coach 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," Maurice remarked. He emphasized the team's overall consistency in 5-on-5 play throughout the season, a crucial element they will need to tap into moving forward. "The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year," he added. Despite their lapse in Game 4, Maurice believes his team remains well-prepared and confident.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Florida’s consistent 5-on-5 play has been a cornerstone of their game plan all year. Maurice’s confidence in his team’s 5-on-5 ability is clear. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," he stated. This consistent performance is crucial as they approach a must-win scenario in Game 6, which holds tremendous stakes for both teams.
Edmonton is now poised to make history, aiming 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 they succeed in winning Game 6, they would also be in contention to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup after being down 3-0 in the series.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Maurice and his players have focused on the shifting dynamics of pressure in this series. "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," Maurice explained. The Florida coach acknowledged that the stakes have evened out, creating a new pressure dynamic for both teams. "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," he said.
For the Panthers, the series has been an emotional rollercoaster, but their commitment to their game plan remains unwavering. "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," said Maurice. He reaffirmed the team’s confidence in their 5-on-5 game, adding, "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
As Game 6 approaches, both teams face a pivotal moment in their quest for the Stanley Cup. For the Panthers, another opportunity to clinch the championship looms large, while the Oilers look to continue their historic comeback. The next game at Rogers Place promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams equally pressured and equally driven by the high stakes of the Stanley Cup Final.