Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice believes the pressure in the Stanley Cup Finals 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, but Edmonton stormed back to win the last two games, adding significant tension to the ongoing battle for the coveted trophy.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence is thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His contributions have been pivotal in extending the series and dragging Florida back to Alberta. Maurice noted that the Oilers now share 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 their stress as they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. Edmonton, on the other hand, is likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up as the stakes grow closer for both teams.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday, having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. The Panthers dominated for long stretches of that game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. Despite their efforts, Florida trailed 4-1 for much of the game. However, Maurice expressed optimism, stating that his team could build on their effort for Game 6: "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes."
The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year. Maurice highlighted that his team only had a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half. For the most part, they have been consistent and are comfortable matching up against any team with their 5-on-5 game.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Florida's success this season has largely been attributed to their consistent 5-on-5 play. Maurice is confident in his team’s ability to perform in these situations: "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game." This confidence will be crucial as they face an Edmonton team motivated to make history.
Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, 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 Finals. If successful, they would also 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
Florida’s coach and players acknowledge the shifting dynamics in the series. Maurice remarked, "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]. 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."
Florida’s team ethos has been their strength, even amid the recent upsets. "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," Maurice reiterated.
Indeed, Florida’s players and coaching staff take pride in their solid 5-on-5 game, which has been a cornerstone of their strategy. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," they assert.
As both teams prepare for Game 6, the tension and excitement are palpable. The Oilers' recent surge has undoubtedly applied pressure to a Florida team that seemed poised to clinch the series just days ago. Now, with the series extending and the stakes higher than ever, both teams find themselves navigating an evenly poised and drastically unpredictable showdown. The stage is set for an exhilarating Game 6, where the potential for making or rewriting history looms large for either side.