SUNRISE – On Tuesday night, the Las Vegas Golden Knights take a run at their first Stanley Cup when they host the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.
“Obviously, situation where we have to win. Been there before,” the Panthers’ Eric Staal said. “For me personally, I’ve been on the other side of it. I’ve been in a Stanley Cup Final where you’re up 3-1. It’s not easy. There’s some pressure there. There’s a lot of variables that go along with it: family, friends, the Cup in the building. Your mind can wander.
“For us, it’s just about winning tomorrow night and enjoying the game and playing as hard as we can and getting the W and then taking it back home. That’s our focus. That’s all it can be.”
The Golden Knights held a furious push from the Panthers in the third period on Sunday, and especially in the waning minutes of the game.
“Surprisingly pretty loose,” the Panthers’ Sam Bennett said. “I think everyone’s very confident. Excited to play the game tomorrow. Everyone’s still in a good mood. We know it’s a tough spot, but everyone’s in a really good mood.”
Adin Hill stood tall and large in the Vegas net to lock down a 3-2 win for the Knights.
“I mean, starting with my career as a child growing up, I faced adversity too,” Hill said. “You get cut from teams. You don’t make a team you want. I didn’t get drafted in the WHL. You’re always going to have bumps in the road. It’s just sticking to the plan, not changing your course of action or thought, just keep working.”
Hill has been the goalie the Golden Knights needed, he has put together an impressive record of 10-4 this postseason with a 2.11 goals-against average, .934 save percentage and he pitched two shutouts.
“It’s probably the best I’ve played,” Hill said. “I’m having fun, just enjoying it. The team is having a good time too. It’s almost the best everyone in this locker room has played. That’s what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. We just have to keep it going.”
As of Tuesday morning, the Panthers’ all-everything Matthew Tkachuk is listed as unclear for playing in Game5.
“We’re not excited about being in the situation we’re in,” Staal said. “No one wants to be down 3-1, but our guys enjoy being around each other, enjoy being at the rink, enjoy everyday experiences in this league. Today was a good day to get together, talk about things, talk about what we can do tomorrow to get a win. That’s our focus.”
Tkachuk has been the reason the Panthers made it to the Final.
“The update will be tomorrow,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said. “We’ve been at an optional point for the last two months in terms of skating (on) off days, but you’ll get all that big information tomorrow night. “Trailing 3-1 and facing elimination in the best-of-7 series, Florida would certainly miss Tkachuk if he can’t play. He is tied with Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault and Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz for the NHL lead with 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 20 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Game 5 is set for Tuesday in Las Vegas.
“Have some fun,” forward Carter Verhaeghe said. “There’s no reason to be tight out there. They’re in the driver’s seat. We just go play one game, try and win one game. We’ve won one game before. Play a little free out there, not afraid to make mistakes.”
Photo montage form Game 4.
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