The Florida Panthers remain unfazed by the resurgence of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite seeing their commanding 3-0 series lead narrow to 3-2 after Edmonton's 5-3 victory in Game 5, the Panthers convey confidence as they head into Game 6. The comeback by the Oilers has seen them become just the fourth team in NHL history to force a Game 6 after trailing 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Final. Forward Sam Bennett asserts that he does not feel the series is slipping away.
Confidence in the Panthers' Camp
Florida coach Paul Maurice attributed the Game 5 loss to preventable errors, such as taking four minor penalties in the first two periods, leading to two Edmonton power-play goals. Maurice noted the need to eliminate allowing short-handed goals to the Oilers. Despite these issues, Maurice expressed that the team does not feel the series is slipping away and is maintaining their composure.
Matthew Tkachuk Shines Despite Loss
Matthew Tkachuk emerged as a standout performer for the Panthers in Game 5. Tkachuk scored a goal to cut Edmonton's lead to 3-1 and later assisted defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson's third-period goal to make it 4-3. Tkachuk also led the team with six hits. However, his night was blemished by a two-minute minor for embellishment on a Dylan Holloway hooking penalty in the third period.
Historical Context
As the Panthers turn their focus to Game 6 in Edmonton, history is still in their favor. The Oilers are only the fourth team in NHL history to trail the Stanley Cup Final 3-0 and rally to force a Game 6. Of the previous three teams, only the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs managed to win the Cup after overcoming such a deficit. Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner acknowledged the Panthers' resilience and emphasized that Edmonton needs to elevate their game further.
The Path Ahead
Despite the pressure, the Panthers remain composed. Bennett stated that the team just has to win one game. Coach Maurice noted that absolutely nothing has changed in their situation over the last two games and mentioned that the team is not feeling deflated. Matthew Tkachuk stated they have another crack at it on Friday and that they did a good job at the beginning of the series of building that lead. Hockey fans anticipate an intense and thrilling showdown.
"No, no, no. It's not an elimination game for us. We're going up there with a 3-2 series lead. Just got to take care of business like we did in Game 3," Bennett said. "We're up 3-2 going back to Edmonton. Couple days to get ready to go for that and get back healthy and rested and ready to go."
Coach Maurice added, "I mean, you saw tonight how the Panthers came back. They played extremely hard, and that's the kind of team that they have."
Bennett echoed Maurice's sentiment, stating, "We've just got to win one game. It's as simple as that. We're not thinking about that. We're just thinking about winning one game."
Maurice emphasized the team's focus and resilience: "Absolutely nothing has changed in our situation over the last two games. I'm not pumping tires. I'm not rubbing backs. I don't think we need that at all. Everybody feels probably exactly the way I do right now. I'm not feeling deflated, neither is the hockey team. They're not feeling deflated. A little grumpy."
Tkachuk is also looking forward to the challenge ahead: "We've got another crack at it on Friday. We did a really good job at the beginning of the series of building that lead, so really nothing changes from tonight's mindset."
He concluded, "We've got to start better."
As Game 6 approaches, the Panthers will need to avoid the pitfalls of their recent losses, keep their confidence high, and deliver a strong performance to secure their spot in hockey history.