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.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. Florida has now been dragged back to Alberta for what promises to be a thrilling Game 6 showdown. The Oilers share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series, and with each game, the stakes become higher for both teams.
Having already lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, the Panthers now find themselves heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. The Oilers are likely feeling the expectation to win ramping up. The goal is closer now for the Oilers, and this shift in the dynamics evens out the pressure for both teams.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after losing Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. Despite dominating for long stretches of the game, particularly in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts, the Panthers trailed 4-1 for much of the game. Florida's head coach, Paul Maurice, expressed optimism, noting that his team could build on their effort for the crucial Game 6 encounter.
"I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice stated, acknowledging the team's strong start but recognizing the need for consistent effort throughout the game. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, only experiencing a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have prided themselves on their consistent 5-on-5 play throughout the season. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice confidently remarked. This consistency will be crucial as they face a resilient Oilers team in Game 6, which 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 also aim to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup. The narrative of an underdog comeback has fueled the excitement and tension surrounding this series.
Quotes from Coaches and Players
The pressure dynamic in this series has been a talking point for both teams. "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," explained Maurice. His sentiments reflect the shifting momentum and psychological aspects at play.
He continued, "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 on us. The goal is closer now for them, and now that part evens out, I believe."
His confidence in the team remains undeterred. "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."
As they head into Game 6, the Panthers will rely heavily on their 5-on-5 play, which they have honed and perfected throughout the season. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," Maurice reiterated.
Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, promises to be a high-stakes showdown that could determine the trajectory of the Stanley Cup Final. Will the Oilers continue their historic comeback, or will the Panthers find their footing and close out the series? The stage is set, and hockey fans around the world will be watching intently.