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, showcasing a remarkable turnaround.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. McDavid, known for his incredible speed and playmaking abilities, has been the heart and soul of Edmonton’s comeback. Florida has been dragged back to Alberta where the Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series.
Notably, the Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building. This adds another layer of psychological pressure as they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. The Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up as they stand on the brink of forcing a decisive Game 7.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite the loss, the Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, 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 late rally insufficient.
Maurice expressed optimism, saying that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice noted, reflecting on the game dynamics. Interestingly, the Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, maintaining a consistent performance except for a brief lapse in Game 4.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The team has been consistent in their 5-on-5 play for the most part, a cornerstone of their strategy. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," said Maurice, emphasizing his team's strengths. This confidence will be crucial as they prepare for the high-stakes Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place.
If the Oilers manage to win Game 6, they will become just the third team in NHL history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final. Moreover, they will aim 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
Both teams have shared their thoughts on the evolving dynamics of the 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," observed Maurice. He further added, "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]. 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."
Emphasizing the team's consistent play, Maurice stated, "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."
The Florida Panthers will need to rely on their strong 5-on-5 play and overcome the mounting pressure if they are to secure the Stanley Cup. Conversely, the Edmonton Oilers, buoyed by their recent performances and McDavid’s brilliance, are inching closer to making history. Game 6 promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams desperate to take the upper hand in this roller-coaster series.