The May 24, 2025 Eastern Conference Final matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena is set to be a crucial Game 3 that will break the current 1–1 deadlock and likely shape the remainder of the series. The Hurricanes stormed back in Game 2 with a resilient effort that showcased their identity—relentless forechecking, suffocating defense, and elite goaltending—while the Panthers remain confident in their depth, physicality, and ability to disrupt even the most structured opponents. Carolina’s success has been largely built on high-volume shooting and puck control, and they will aim to replicate that approach on the road, though their 4–6 ATS record in their last 10 games suggests some vulnerability when trying to cover puck lines, particularly away from Raleigh. Andrei Svechnikov has found another gear this postseason, leading the team in goals, while Sebastian Aho continues to drive play with intelligent zone entries and timely assists. Most notably, goaltender Frederik Andersen has been otherworldly between the pipes, entering Game 3 with a sparkling 1.36 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage, offering Carolina confidence even in tight, low-scoring battles. The Hurricanes’ biggest concern entering Game 3 remains their special teams, as their power play has underperformed at just 18.7%—a significant liability when facing a Panthers penalty kill that has been sharp in critical moments. On the other side, the Panthers return home having done their job—earning a split on the road—and now look to reclaim momentum on home ice where they have covered the puck line in six of their last eight playoff games.

Florida’s formula this postseason has been rooted in smart, two-way hockey; they’ve allowed just 23.8 shots per game, forechecked aggressively, and capitalized on turnovers with quick transition offense. Sergei Bobrovsky hasn’t matched Andersen’s statistical dominance but has made clutch saves when needed, especially in the third period and overtime, and remains capable of stealing a game if his defense clears rebounds and limits high-danger chances. Florida’s scoring attack is impressively deep, with 17 skaters having already found the net this postseason—a testament to their rolling four lines and the emergence of players like Sam Reinhart, who leads the team in goals, and Brad Marchand, whose veteran leadership and scoring touch have elevated the Panthers’ confidence and tempo. Florida must maintain discipline and avoid Carolina dragging the game into a dump-and-chase grind, as their transition game thrives in more open ice. This Game 3 tilt is likely to be defined by whichever team controls the middle of the ice, wins puck battles along the boards, and imposes its forechecking rhythm early. Carolina must match Florida’s intensity in a hostile environment and improve its power play if it hopes to steal a road win, while the Panthers must continue to suppress Carolina’s second-chance opportunities and leverage their depth scoring to seize command of the series. With the Stanley Cup Final within reach, both teams know that Game 3 may well become the pivot point of a closely fought, emotionally charged series between two of the NHL’s most disciplined and physical playoff squads.