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 initially taken a commanding 3-0 series lead before Edmonton stormed back to win the last two games, shifting the momentum of the series significantly.
McDavid's Unstoppable Form
The resurgence of the Edmonton Oilers is thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by their star player, Connor McDavid. McDavid's brilliance on the ice has been a crucial factor in the Oilers' comeback. Florida, therefore, finds itself dragged back to Alberta with increasing pressure mounting on both sides.
The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, a fact that has shifted the psychological landscape of the series. The Oilers are now starting to feel their own burden of expectation, having clawed their way back into the competition.
"The stake is there now for both teams," said Maurice. "The goal is closer now for the Oilers, and now that part evens out."
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. While the Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts, they still trailed 4-1 for much of the match. Despite the setback, Maurice expressed optimism, pointing out that his team could build on their effort for Game 6.
"I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice admitted. "The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year."
Notably, the Panthers have been consistent in their 5-on-5 play throughout the season, experiencing only a brief lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half. This consistency has been a cornerstone of their performance, providing them a psychological edge as they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
"We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice emphasized, showcasing the team's confidence.
Game 6 holds tremendous stakes for both teams. Edmonton is 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 successful, they would join the storied ranks of the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who rallied back to win the Cup after losing their first three games.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
Players and coaches have provided insights into the evolving pressure dynamics. "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," reflected Maurice. This sentiment resonates with the shift in pressure that has been observed in this series.
"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," he added.
The Panthers, who have demonstrated resilience and consistency, remain confident in their approach. "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," remarked Maurice.
With their reliable 5-on-5 game, the Florida Panthers are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating Game 6. As both teams prepare to take to the ice, the stakes have never been higher, and the pressure never more evenly distributed. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as history could be in the making at Rogers Place on Friday night.