Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice believes the pressure in the Stanley Cup Finals 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 due in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by the Oilers’ star, Connor McDavid. Florida has been dragged back to Alberta, and the Oilers now share their burden of pressure, having clawed their way back into the series. The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building. The teams head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday, where the Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up. The stakes are now higher for both teams, and the goal is nearer for the Oilers.
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. However, they trailed for much of the game, at one point down 4-1.
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," Maurice noted. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, with only a lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The Panthers have been consistent in their 5-on-5 play for the most part. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice said. Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, holds immense 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 Finals. If successful, they would also be only the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Maurice reflected on the shifting dynamics of the series. "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. 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."
The Panthers have consistently shown they are a formidable team. "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. We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it," Maurice said.
With Game 6 looming, both teams find themselves under considerable pressure, each with much to prove and everything to play for. The Oilers' resurgence has brought new life to the series, making every moment of the upcoming game a potential turning point. As both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling clash, the hockey world watches in anticipation. Friday night's game at Rogers Place will be a true test of resilience, strategy, and sheer willpower.
Regardless of the outcome, this series has already etched its place in the annals of hockey history, showcasing the relentless pursuit of greatness by both the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. Fans can expect nothing less than an exhilarating showdown as both teams vie to etch their names on the Stanley Cup.