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, shifting the dynamics of the series significantly.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence can be attributed largely to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. His contributions have been pivotal in Edmonton clawing their way back into the series, dragging the Panthers back to Alberta for the next critical game.
The Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having earned their way back into contention. This is a stark contrast to the earlier stages of the series, where the pressure was largely one-sided, resting heavily on the shoulders of the Panthers.
It is also noteworthy that the Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, adding to the psychological complexity heading into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. The stakes are now high for both teams.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday having lost Game 5 by a 5-3 margin. The Panthers dominated for long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts. Despite their efforts, Florida trailed 4-1 for much of the game, showing that dominance in shots does not always correlate with the scoring outcome.
Coach Maurice expressed optimism, stating that his team could build on their effort for Game 6. "I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," he said, reflecting on the areas that needed improvement. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, which has been a cornerstone of their strategy and success.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The team has shown consistency in their 5-on-5 play for the most part. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," said Maurice. This confidence is rooted in their performance throughout the season, and despite a brief lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half, the Panthers have largely maintained their form.
Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, carries 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.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
The sentiments from both camps reflect the heightened stakes and the balancing act of pressure. One of the players noted, "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 underscores the psychological dynamic at play as the series progresses.
Coach Maurice echoed this sentiment, saying, "There's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]." He added, "The stake is there now more for both teams, where it was just for us. The goal is closer now for them, and in that part, it evens out, I believe."
The Panthers' consistent 5-on-5 game has given them confidence heading into this pivotal matchup. "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," Maurice commented.
As the Panthers prepare for Game 6, they will rely heavily on their established strengths while addressing the lapses that have allowed the Oilers back into the series. Both teams face monumental pressure, with the Oilers looking to continue their historic comeback and the Panthers aiming to close out the series and capture the Stanley Cup.
Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting this next chapter in what has already been a thrilling Stanley Cup Final. One thing is certain: both teams will leave everything on the ice at Rogers Place on Friday night, driven by the high stakes and the promise of hockey immortality.