Help, Maple floor does not match oak floor when stained (Picture)

[DKAudio]

I tore down a wall and joined the two hardwood surfaces to make a nice transition. My house was built in 1954 and has 1.5" oak strips. I went to the local lumber yard and they only had 1.5" maple strips. It looked close so I didn't think it would be a problem. I have spent 2 days now on this project...
-cutting existing oak floor 6"
-installing (4) 1.5" maple pieces
-hand sanding to make the new maple pieces fit width and flush with existing oak pieces
-etc

Everything was looking great so I pulled out the stain I used when I refinished my hardwood floors (just last summer). It is minwax wood finish stain golden oak. I put on at least 7 coats and it was still WAY off, the maple it was too light still. Is this because I used maple and not oak?

Is there anything I can do?

I will be devastated if I am going to loose all that time and $35 in maple strips.

I already sanded the stain off so it is bare wood (Pictured below)

[HayZee518]

go back to your store and get the minwax test strips and compare to what you have at home. they have "stains" on pine. oak, maple etc. -OR- buy the smallest cans of stain you can find and "test" the stain on your maple scraps till you get the correct shade.

[coolbreeze]

Great Idea I normally do that first ;-) Before I apply the floor.

[DKAudio]

Awesome, I will give it a go. Thanks