Statements:
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.
McDavid's Impact
This resurgence was thanks in no small part to back-to-back four-point performances by Oilers' star Connor McDavid. "Florida has been dragged back to Alberta," Maurice commented, pointing out the shift in momentum. He believes 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, a notion that's sure to weigh on their minds as they head into Game 6 at Rogers Place on Friday. Maurice noted that the Oilers are likely starting to feel the expectation to win ramping up as well. "The stake is there now more for both teams, where it was just for the Panthers. The goal is closer now for the Oilers, and now that part evens out," he explained.
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. Maurice attributed this to "score effects," as Florida trailed 4-1 for much of the game. Despite the loss, 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 said, reflecting on Game 5. Matthew Tkachuk echoed his coach's sentiments, adding that the Panthers have been dominant in 5-on-5 play all year and only had a lapse in Game 4 "for a period and a half."
Consistent 5-on-5 Play
Tkachuk emphasized that the team has 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," he stated confidently.
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.
Quotes from the Coaches and Players
Paul Maurice spoke about the unique pressures both teams are facing as the series drags on. "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 said, articulating the psychological battle both teams are engaged in. "So there's an evening out in this series now. I think the pressure is closer [between us]."
Maurice continued, "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."
Matthew Tkachuk added his thoughts on the team's overall performance, saying, "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 reiterated his confidence in their 5-on-5 game, "We really like our 5-on-5 game. We're comfortable against anybody in the world with it."
As both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling Game 6, the stakes and the expectations have never been higher. The question remains whether the Oilers can maintain their momentum and complete the comeback, or if the Panthers will regroup and seize the chance to clinch the Stanley Cup. Friday night will provide the answers as hockey fans around the world eagerly await the outcome.