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, who took a commanding 3-0 series lead, now find themselves back on the ice in Alberta after Edmonton stormed back to win the last two games.
McDavid's Impact
This Edmonton resurgence has been driven in large part by back-to-back four-point performances from Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His offensive prowess has been crucial in pulling the Oilers back into contention, making what appeared to be a one-sided series suddenly very competitive.
Florida has been dragged back to Alberta, facing the pressure of potentially losing the cup after having two chances to clinch it. This time, however, the pressure is shared. The Oilers now also carry the burden of expectation, with both teams feeling the weight of the stakes heading into Game 6.
Notably, the Panthers have already faced the disappointment of losing twice with the Stanley Cup in the building. They head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, aware that the series can still swing either way.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday, having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the scoreline, the Panthers dominated for 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, illustrating that dominance in possession does not always translate to goals.
Coach Maurice expressed optimism about his team's performance, noting that they could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he said, highlighting a need for consistent effort throughout the game.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have been consistently strong in 5-on-5 play all year, a key factor contributing to their success. Maurice emphasized this strength in his remarks, saying, "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game." This confidence will be pivotal as they aim to seal the series in Game 6.
The Panthers' lapse in Game 4, where they faltered for a period and a half, only underscores the importance of maintaining focus. As Game 6 looms, the team must rely on the consistency that has defined their season.
Historical Stakes
Game 6 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 then try to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Reflecting on the series, 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." He believes the pressure is now more evenly distributed, adding, "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."
His sense of optimism is shared by his players. "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," one player noted.
Indeed, the Panthers’ consistent performance in 5-on-5 play is a cornerstone of their confidence. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," another player echoed.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense Game 6, the world of hockey will be watching closely. Will McDavid and the Oilers complete their comeback, or will the Panthers overcome the pressure to clinch their first Stanley Cup? One thing is certain: the pressure in the Stanley Cup Final has truly evened out.