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. His incredible display of skill and leadership has breathed new life into the Oilers' campaign. Once seemingly down and out, Edmonton now finds itself very much back in the mix, with the series shifting back to Alberta for a pivotal Game 6.
The Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. The Panthers have twice faced the agonizing reality of seeing the Stanley Cup in the building, only to come up short. Edmonton, buoyed by their recent successes, will likely start feeling the weight of expectation as they approach this critical juncture.
“The stake is there now more for both teams,” Maurice stated. “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. Despite the loss, the Panthers showed resilience and dominance for long stretches of the game, particularly in the final two periods, where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. However, they trailed 4-1 for much of the game, underscoring their need to capitalize on their opportunities.
Maurice expressed optimism, highlighting that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. “I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes,” he commented. “The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, and we only had 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 asserted. The coach’s confidence is not unfounded; the Panthers have shown they can control play and dictate the pace when they stick to their game plan.
As they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, the stakes are incredibly high 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 only the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
The narrative of having "nothing to lose” plays heavily into the mindset of the Oilers moving forward. For the Panthers, who once had a seemingly insurmountable lead, the pressure to protect that advantage might have contributed to their recent setbacks.
“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,” Maurice said. “There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us].”
As both teams prepare for the critical Game 6, the palpable tension and the tremendous stakes make this one of the most intriguing Finals matchups in recent memory. The Panthers will look to recapture their early series form, while the Oilers hope to continue riding the monumental contributions of Connor McDavid.
The remainder of the series promises drama and excitement as two determined teams battle for the ultimate prize in hockey. The evening out of pressure and the leveling of stakes add an extra layer of anticipation, as fans from both franchises gear up for what could be an unforgettable conclusion to the Stanley Cup Final.