Eastern Conference Final Recap

Eastern Final

New Jersey Devils - 4 @ Florida Panthers - 1

• New Jersey leads series 3-0

Florida couldn't contain the New Jersey offense and now find themselves one game away from elimination. 

The Devils' top line of Nik Ehlers and the two Alex's, Barkov and Radulov, have given the Panthers fits throughout the three games in the series. The trio has now combined for 20 points, with 8 of those coming in the Game Three victory. 

As if trying to find a way to shut down those three wasn't problem enough, Florida needs to find a way to put the puck past Jacob Markstrom. The Panthers managed to get 35 shots on Markstrom, but he was up to the task and turned away all but one. He now has only allowed 3 goals on 81 shots faced in the series. 

New Jersey scored the first four goals of the game, 2 in each of the first and second periods, to put this one well out of reach for Florida. Alex Radulov's marker in the first period held up as the game winner. It was his fourth goal of the playoffs and second game-winner against the Panthers. 

Jonathan Huberdeau spoiled Markstrom's shutout bid early in the third period with his second goal of the playoffs.

It remains to be seen if Florida will make any drastic line-up changes heading into Game 4, including the possibility of giving Carey Price his first start of the postseason. 

This will be the Panthers third elimination game of the playoffs. They rallied past the Islanders in the second round when they were down 3-2. 

THREE STARS

Alexander Radulov (NJD): 2 goals (GWG), 1 assist, +3, 6 shots, 19:54 TOI
Aleksander Barkov (NJD): 3 assists, +3, 2 hits, 3 shots, 20:10 TOI
Jacob Markstrom (NJD): 34 saves, .971 SP%