Panthers struggling to respond as Edmonton turns up heat in Stanley Cup Final
Oilers have completely turned series around after losing first three games to Florida
There has been plenty of time for the Florida Panthers to evaluate things following each of their past three losses.
With the Stanley Cup Final moving to a one-game-per-city schedule following Game 4, Florida has had an extra day between games to analyze their mistakes and try to correct and overcome them.
Perhaps the extra time is more of a hindrance than a blessing, as the Panthers have gone from a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers to losing three straight and risking ending their season empty handed after coming oh so close to glory.
“They're playing really well,” said Panthers captain Sasha Barkov. “They play really well defensively, they're fast, and they are generating a lot of offense.”
Indeed, the Oilers have turned the series on its head in a very direct and profound way.
Florida has now been outscored a ridiculous 18-5 between Games 4, 5 and 6.
It’s not like Edmonton has made any major changes to the way they play or how they approach the game systemically.
They’re just playing faster and much more aggressive, capitalizing on opportunities while simultaneously stifling Florida’s offensive game.
“We just have to be sharp every moment on the ice,” said Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen. “When you're on the ice, you have to be sharp mentally and physically. You can’t let go for even a second because they're going to make you pay.”
During the first few shifts of Game 6 on Friday, it was clear the Panthers were trying to get back to a physical style of hockey.
It’s how they’ve frustrated and demoralized teams for the majority of the season and playoffs.
Edmonton has found a way to neutralize that, and Florida is running out of time to come up with a response.
They outhit the Oilers 12-2 early in Game 6, but that quickly changed with Edmonton controlling most of the puck possession and then scoring the game’s opening goal off a neutral zone turnover.
“They came out hungrier than us,” said Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe. “They wanted it, and that was kind of it. We didn't really get to our forecheck off the start, and they took it to us. So I think it's for us to look at it, get better, and I think we need some better starts.”
At this point, there is only so much left to say.
Florida knows they must come up with something, because the collective effort and results over the past three losses has been unacceptable.
Fortunately, the Panthers also know how much more they have to offer.
It’s just a matter of finding that extra gear before it’s too late.
“We need to be better,” said Barkov. “There are things in the games that we've done really well and there are things that we need to get better at.”
We’ll see on Monday night if they can get there.
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