As the Florida Panthers head into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, coach Paul Maurice believes the pressure has "evened out" following the Edmonton Oilers' incredible rally to force another game.
Initially, the Panthers had a commanding 3-0 series lead, but the Oilers stormed back, winning the last two games to keep their championship hopes alive.
McDavid's Impact
A significant factor in Edmonton's resurgence has been the phenomenal performance of their star player, Connor McDavid. McDavid delivered back-to-back four-point performances, proving instrumental in turning the tide of the series.
As the series shifts back to Alberta, the Oilers now share the burden of pressure, having clawed their way back. The Panthers, who had a chance to clinch the Stanley Cup in the last two games, must now attempt to stave off a surging Edmonton side at Rogers Place on Friday.
"The stakes are there now more for both teams," Maurice said. "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 following a 5-3 loss in Game 5. Despite the scoreline, the Panthers dominated play for long stretches, particularly in the final two periods, where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts.
However, they found themselves trailing 4-1 for much of the game, an early deficit they were unable to overcome despite a valiant effort. Coach Maurice remained optimistic, noting his team's overall strong performance.
"I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice commented. "The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year."
The coach noted that his team experienced a brief lapse in Game 4, but otherwise, their level of play has remained consistent.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have been a team known for their consistency in 5-on-5 play throughout the season, and Maurice stands by their performance.
"We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," he said.
Game 6 on Friday night at Rogers Place is a must-see, holding tremendous stakes for both teams. The Oilers are 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 try 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 psychological aspect of the series cannot be understated. Maurice alluded to the changing dynamics now that both teams face significant pressure. "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," he explained.
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 for us. The goal is closer now for them, and now that part evens out, I believe."
For the Panthers, their confidence in their 5-on-5 play remains unshaken. "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 reiterated.
Despite the recent setbacks, Florida's dominant playstyle and resilience make them a formidable contender. "We really like our 5-on-5 game," Maurice concluded. "We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
The stage is set for an explosive Game 6, with both teams understanding that each minute on the ice could tip the balance of this tightly contested series. As Edmonton looks to continue their historic comeback, the Panthers aim to recapture their dominant form and seal their Stanley Cup victory once and for all.