After Round 2, it’s the NHL Eastern Conference Final that’s heating up now. With the Florida Panthers taking a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes, they have set the stage for a high-stakes Game 3 in Sunrise, Florida. And the Canes? Losing two straight amidst their home crowd, they are now gearing up to return the favor on the Panthers’  home ice. But how are they going to do it? “The first couple of shifts of the game, we weren’t doing anything we needed to do. But it’s old news now. We’ve got to turn the page,” the head coach, Rod Brind’Amour, reflected..

But after those two dominant wins on the road, will the Panthers return home with momentum firmly on their side and spark a wave of excitement and anticipation among fans while they miss games 1 and 2? Well, with the series now shifting to the Amerant Bank Arena, the spotlight intensifies—especially with the Canes now making a bold move ahead of the next game.

Tom Gulitti of the NHL posted the update on X . While hoping to shake things up after Frederik Andersen struggled in the first two games, letting in 9 goals, the Canes are making a change in the crease. “Pyotr Kochetkov will start in net for Canes for Game 3 vs. Panthers tonight, per coach Rod Brind’Amour,” the post read. Although Andersen entered the series as the one of the most dominant postseason goalies, all it took was two games for that to unravel. He still leads with a 2.01 GAA, but those 9 goals aren’t doing him any favors, to say the least.

“Just change the vibe a little bit. I don’t blame Freddy on any of the goals that went in,” Rod Brind’Amour said. While Andersen did allow nine goals on 36 shots for a 5.54 goals-against average and .750 save percentage in Games 1 and 2, the head coach didn’t lay the blame on him. “Obviously, save percentage is not great, if you look at that. We do need some saves, but I can’t blame him on any of them. All the goals have been great shots or plays by them. But just to change the vibe a little bit.”

And honestly? Kochetkov performed well enough when, during the third period of Game 2, Andersen was hooked. And boom—four saves on five shots made immediately. Kochetkov has played three games this postseason, allowing six goals on 55 shots faced for a .891 save percentage and 2.57 goals against average. Hence, with the Canes bringing in some crucial changes in their form, will the Panthers be able to maintain their streak or break it?

Florida Panthers’ star player sends a firm message before game 3!

Will the Panthers be able to make it? That should not be a question at all. With how they have performed so far in the season and with their star players, especially the ones like Sam Bennett, it shouldn’t even be a doubt. With two successful wins and now moving ahead, Bennett sent a message clarifying the team’s status. “We know they’re going to play desperate,” Bennett said while acknowledging how the Hurricanes, trailing 2-0 in the series, will come out with maximum urgency and aggression to avoid falling.

But he didn’t stop there and further added, “This is a big game where you’ve got to put it all on the line. We know what it feels like. We’re definitely prepared.” Now that’s what fans wanted to hear, right? And the message was clear. Despite the Panthers’ key players like Sam Reinhart being out, the Florida Panthers know what they have to do when playing under pressure and understanding the stakes, both mentally and physically.

Looks like both the teams are prepared for the battle ahead and as much as the Canes are confident with their new change, it’s the Panthers on the other side showing awareness of the opponent’s desperation while affirming their team’s readiness!