The South Florida proverb about numbers has come true: Not one, not two, not three, not four.
The [Florida Panthers](https://www.espn.com/nhl/team/_/name/fla/florida-panthers) showed in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals that they could break the defense of the [Carolina Hurricanes](https://www.espn.com/nhl/team/_/name/car/carolina-hurricanes) with five goals. On Thursday, the Panthers repeated the feat, scoring another five goals in a 5-0 victory to take a 2-0 series lead before returning to Sunrise for Game 3.
Performance Analysis
Carolina Hurricanes
Rating: D
Despite a disallowed goal that could have changed the course, the Hurricanes showed difficulties. They generated a high number of shots per game, but in the second game, they failed to reach double digits in shots until the last 14 minutes of the third period. The metrics indicated few high-danger scoring chances, and after conceding seven goals in the second round, they allowed ten in the first two games.
The Panthers outscored the Hurricanes in goals and in clear scoring chances.
Florida Panthers
Rating: A+
The Panthers dominated the Hurricanes on both sides of the ice. [Gustav Forsling](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/3151784/gustav-forsling) opened the scoring, and the team didn’t let up. The Panthers limited Carolina’s opportunities, while they themselves fired 16 shots and scored four goals in the same period, forcing the Hurricanes’ goalie change.
The Hurricanes’ offense couldn’t match Florida’s attack, nor could they handle [Sergei Bobrovsky](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/5571/sergei-bobrovsky), who stopped 16 shots and kept a shutout. It’s hard to imagine how the Hurricanes can react in this series now that the teams move to Florida.
Stars of Party 2
- Sam Bennett: Two goals and one assist. This is his second playoff game with more than 3 points and his second playoff game with multiple goals.
- Team Defense: The Panthers limited the Hurricanes to only 5 shots in the first half of the game.
- Offside Reviews and Coach’s Tactics: The Panthers used an offside review to perfection, resulting in the cancellation of a Hurricanes goal.
Players to Watch in Game 2
[Andrei Svechnikov](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/4352683/andrei-svechnikov) (Hurricanes): Svechnikov leads the Hurricanes in goals in these playoffs. After not scoring in games 2 and 3 against the [New Jersey Devils](https://www.espn.com/nhl/team/_/name/nj/new-jersey-devils) in the first round, he responded with a hat-trick. Will Svechnikov be able to score at least one goal in the third game?
[Matthew Tkachuk](https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/4024854/matthew-tkachuk) (Panthers): Tkachuk, who had been discreet, showed his best game again, agitating the Hurricanes and making his physical presence felt. He recorded an assist and a goal, indicating his return to his usual form. If this is Tkachuk’s resurgence, the Hurricanes should be wary.
Big questions for Game 3
What will be the response to their worst playoff defeat of the year?
Several questions will be asked about the adjustments that can be made before the third game, including improving the start of the game. The Hurricanes have lost two consecutive playoff games after having lost only two in the first two rounds.
Will Sam Reinhart be in top form for the Panthers?
Florida saw one of its best players leave in the first period due to an injury. Reinhart’s presence is significant for Florida, which hopes that he is not only available for game 3, but also can play at a high level.
