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. Maurice feels the momentum shift has altered the dynamics of the series, placing both teams under equal pressure.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His exceptional play has been pivotal in turning the series around for Edmonton, bringing them back into contention from the brink of elimination.
Florida has been dragged back to Alberta, facing a re-energized Oilers squad and a fervent home crowd. The Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. What seemed like a one-sided affair just days ago is now a tightly contested battle.
The Panthers' Predicament
The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, an experience that could play on the team's psyche. Heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, the Panthers know the stakes are higher than ever.
Maurice acknowledged this shift, stating, "The Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up. The stake is there now more for both teams. 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 after a tough 5-3 loss in Game 5. Despite the defeat, the Panthers dominated for long stretches, 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, a deficit too large to overcome.
Maurice expressed optimism, saying that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he noted. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, and Maurice believes this can tip the balance in their favor once again.
Consistency in 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," said Maurice. Indeed, aside from a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, Florida has maintained a high level of play during even-strength situations.
With Game 6 set for Friday night at Rogers Place, the stakes are enormous 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 aim to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
As Maurice pointed out, "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." This sentiment encapsulates the current state of the series, where both teams now have everything to play for.
"There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]," said Maurice. "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."
Maurice remains confident in his team's abilities. "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 both teams gear up for Game 6, the pressure cooker of the Stanley Cup Final has reached its boiling point. With both the Panthers and Oilers now feeling the weight of expectations, Friday's match at Rogers Place promises to be a thrilling contest. The outcome will decide whether the Oilers can continue their historic comeback or if the Panthers can finally clinch the title they've been so close to securing.