Panthers coach Paul Maurice gives blunt reaction after intense Game 1 against Oilers

The Stanley Cup Final began with a game full of energy. Fans were on the edge of their seats. A thrilling overtime goal ended it all. But after the game, it wasn’t just the score that had people talking.

A few words from Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice stood out.

Paul Maurice reacts after Panthers fall short in Game 1

Stanley Cup 2025 Game 1: Played on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Edmonton. The Florida Panthers fell to the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime. It was a close fought game with both teams trying their best.After the loss, Paul Maurice spoke to reporters. He didn’t try to hide his thoughts. “There isn’t any casualness and there’s no BS in either team’s game,” he said.

His words were shared by The Athletic’s Michael Russo.

Maurice explained that both teams played a clean and serious game. “The pucks go deep that are supposed to go deep,” he added. He said maybe only one or two plays didn’t meet their standards.He praised how focused both sides were. “It was honest, it was hard, it was fast, and it was tight,” he said. His comments made it clear he respected the effort from both teams.Also Read: Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov Sets NHL Record By Winning Selke, King Clancy In The Same Year

Oilers win Game 1 as Panthers plan comeback

This Stanley Cup Final is a rematch.

Last year, the Panthers beat the Oilers after a tough 7-game series. That time, Florida took a 3-0 lead, lost the next three games, but came back to win Game 7. This year, the Oilers have started strong by winning Game 1 at home.Both teams made changes before this series. The Panthers added Brad Marchand to boost their offense. The Oilers picked up Jake Walman for defense. The likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain the frontmen of Edmonton’s attack.There were numerous power-play opportunities during Wednesday’s game and a handful of great saves made by the goalies. The goal In the final goal before a Covid-19 crowd of 15,800 at Rogers Place in Edmonton roared as the Oilers took the lead 6-5 overall and 2-1 in the series.Paul Maurice, who won his first Stanley Cup last year, is known for making smart changes. The Panthers are expected to come back strong in Game 2, set for Friday, June 6, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern in Edmonton.His players will likely be ready with a better plan to stop the Oilers’ quick offense.