North6ix Recap: Round 3 - Game 3 - Carolina vs Florida

(Picture via NHL)

In Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, the Florida Panthers delivered a commanding 6–2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, taking a 3–0 series lead and moving within one win of their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.

The game remained tightly contested through the first two periods, with the Panthers holding a narrow 1–0 lead. However, Florida erupted in the third period, scoring five goals, including four in just over four minutes, to secure the win. Captain Aleksander Barkov led the offensive charge with two goals and an assist, while defenseman Niko Mikkola contributed two goals before leaving the game due to injury. The US Sun

Jesper Boqvist, stepping in for the injured Sam Reinhart, made a significant impact with a goal and two assists . Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky continued his stellar playoff performance, making 23 saves to help secure the victory. Florida Hockey

For the Hurricanes, Seth Jarvis and Logan Stankoven each found the back of the net, but the team struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses that the Panthers capitalized on. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, starting in place of Frederik Andersen, made 22 saves but was unable to contain Florida's offensive surge .Wikipedia

The Hurricanes now face elimination in Game 4, needing a win to extend the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.