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, winning the last two games and reigniting their hopes of lifting the coveted Cup.
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's dominance in the early part of the series has now been chipped away, and the Panthers find themselves dragged back to Alberta, with the Oilers sharing the pressure, having clawed their way back into contention. The Panthers have now lost twice with the Stanley Cup in the building, raising the stakes even higher as they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. For the Oilers, the expectation to win is ramping up as the series progresses.
Reflecting on Game 5
Florida arrived back in Edmonton on Thursday after a 5-3 defeat in Game 5. Despite dominating long stretches of the game, especially in the final two periods where they managed over 80% of the shot attempts, the Panthers still found themselves trailing 4-1 for much of the game. Coach Maurice expressed optimism, noting that his team could build on their Game 5 effort as they prepare for Game 6.
"I liked our opening period more than the following 40 minutes," Maurice remarked, acknowledging the team's strong start but emphasizing the need for a consistent effort throughout the game. The Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year, with only a brief lapse in Game 4 for a period and a half. This consistency will be crucial as they seek to close out the series.
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
The team's confidence in their 5-on-5 game remains high. "We are comfortable against anybody in the world with our 5-on-5 game," Maurice asserted. This consistency has been a hallmark of the Panthers' play all season and will be key as they face the Oilers in the crucial Game 6. With both teams now feeling the pressure, the stakes are higher than ever.
Game 6, set for Friday night at Rogers Place, holds 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 try to become the second team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs to rally back and win the Cup. This historic comeback would solidify the 2023 Stanley Cup Final as one for the ages.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
The pressure dynamics in the series have shifted dramatically. "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 reflected, noting the psychological aspects of playing with a lead compared to fighting back from behind. "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."
As Maurice pointed out, the Panthers need to focus on their strengths. "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," he stated, reaffirming his belief in the team's capabilities. "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
With Game 6 on the horizon, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. For the Panthers, it's an opportunity to finally secure the Stanley Cup after coming so close. For the Oilers, it's a chance to continue their incredible comeback and push the series to a decisive Game 7. Fans and players alike are preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating and high-stakes encounter at Rogers Place.