SUNRISE, FL — Bettors, take note: the Florida Panthers just sent a message to the league—and the sportsbooks—with a 6-2 thrashing of the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final.
With five goals in a 10-minute third-period blitz, the defending champions grabbed a 3-0 series lead and are now just one win away from a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. Game 4 goes Monday night, and all signs point to a potential sweep.
“We’re locked in—one shift at a time,” said Brad Marchand, who buried the sixth goal to seal the deal.
Third Period Breakout Shifts Betting Momentum
Tied 1-1 heading into the final frame, the Panthers erupted with goals from Jesper Boqvist, Niko Mikkola (his second of the night), and a quick-fire double from Aleksander Barkov. Marchand then finished the job. It was the kind of period that kills unders, boosts Florida puckline bets, and sends live betting lines into overdrive.
Live bettors who jumped on Florida early in the third were handsomely rewarded.
Bobrovsky Staying Hot Between the Pipes
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky continued his stellar postseason run, stopping 23 of 25 shots. He’s now allowed just four goals in three games this series. Bettors targeting save props or Panthers ML have been cashing in.
“Bob’s locked in,” said Barkov. “And when he’s like this, we’re tough to beat.”
Depth Scoring Props Hit as Boqvist Steps Up
With Sam Reinhart out and Eetu Luostarinen tossed on a boarding major, Florida’s depth stepped up. Boqvist, slotted in last-minute, cashed for anytime goal bettors and added two assists. Underrated player props are becoming a sharp betting angle in this series.
“That’s what wins you playoff games—and pays off the props,” joked coach Paul Maurice.
Carolina Unravels… Again
The Hurricanes have now lost 15 straight Eastern Conference Final games, and Saturday was a brutal reminder of how quickly a game can turn. The second period saw a strong push from Carolina, but a few turnovers in the third opened the floodgates.
“Turnover city,” said captain Jordan Staal. “And Florida made us pay.”
Betting Preview: Game 4
📍 Location: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL
🗓️ Date: Monday, May 27
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM ET
📺 Watch: MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS, CBC
Opening Lines (as of Sunday AM):
- Panthers ML: -160
- Hurricanes ML: +140
- Over/Under: 5.5
- Panthers to Sweep (Series 4-0): -125
