Hurricanes vs Panthers Game 3: Carolina Seeks Turnaround As Series Heads to Florida, May 24
The Carolina Hurricanes face a critical Game 3 against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena, trailing 2-0 in the series after being outscored 10-2 in the opening games at home. Florida enters as -145 home favorites, with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 pm ET on TNT.
Hockey players collide during game
Best Bet: Under 5.5 Goals (-125 at Caesars)
Key Factors Supporting the Under:
- Sergei Bobrovsky has allowed two or fewer goals in six straight playoff games
- Carolina's switching to backup Pyotr Kochetkov indicates a likely defensive adjustment
- Florida leads playoffs with 2.21 goals against per game
- Panthers' missing Sam Reinhart (81 regular season points)
- Panthers' penalty kill at 88.9% (best in playoffs)
- Under has hit in two of Florida's last three home games
- Carolina limited to just 17 shots in Game 2
Game 3 Odds:
- Panthers: -145 (60.32% implied probability)
- Hurricanes: +122 underdogs
- Puck Line: Florida +170 (-2.5), Carolina -205 (+2.5)
- Total: 5.5 goals (Under -125)
Starting Goalies:
- Carolina: Pyotr Kochetkov (1-0, 2.57 GAA, .891 SV%)
- Florida: Sergei Bobrovsky (10-4, 2.13 GAA, .910 SV%)
Bobrovsky's recent form has been exceptional, recording his third playoff shutout in Game 2 and allowing just three goals on his last 67 shots. The goaltending change for Carolina, combined with Florida's defensive prowess and Reinhart's absence, suggests a lower-scoring affair than the previous matchups.
Getting warm in South Florida pic.twitter.com/jbnjjO39Or
Rod Brind'Amour says Pyotr Kochetkov will start Game 3 for the #Canes tonight.The head coach says he doesn't blame Frederik Andersen for either of the first two games, but wants to "change the vibe." pic.twitter.com/MZrbXRaraW