NHL Playoffs 2023: Top Storylines, Schedule for Hurricanes vs. Panthers Game 4

The Florida Panthers can become the first team to book a spot in the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night (8 p.m. ET, TNT).

Florida holds a 3-0 advantage over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final thanks to Sergei Bobrovsky's stellar performances in net.

Bobrovsky saved 132 of the 135 shots he faced in the series. He shut out the Hurricanes in Game 3.

Florida's containment of Carolina's offense has been the story of the series. If the Hurricanes do not find an answer Wednesday, they will be swept.

The Panthers are going for the second Eastern Conference Final sweep since 2019, when the Boston Bruins eliminated the Hurricanes in four games.

Can Sergei Bobrovsky Continue Dominance into Game 4?

Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 22:Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) makes a save in the third period during game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers on Monday, May 22, 2023 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bobrovsky has been a brick wall in the Florida net.

He started the series with 63 saves on 65 shots in the four-overtime thriller that was won by Matthew Tkachuk. He then turned away 37 of 38 attempts in Game 2 and made 32 saves in his Game 3 shutout.

As ESPN noted, Bobrovsky has stopped 110 of the last 111 shots sent in his direction.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner is playing far better than any other goalie left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He could book Florida's spot in the Stanley Cup Final with another remarkable showing.

Florida just needs Bobrovsky to play at the same level he did in the first three games to earn the series sweep.

All of the pressure is on Carolina to figure out a way to beat Bobrovsky and bring the series back to Raleigh, North Carolina, for Game 5.

Hurricanes Need to Find Early Offensive Spark

Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 22: Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) pressures Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) late in the third period during game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers on Monday, May 22, 2023 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Carolina can't wait around until the third period to try something different. The Hurricanes need to find ways to beat Bobrovsky in the opening 20 minutes to create some sort of momentum for themselves.

Carolina's players have admitted how hard it has been to play against Bobrovsky.

"He's playing unbelievable right now," forward Seth Jarvis told reporters. "You have to tip your cap. ... As a forward group, we have to get more bodies in front of him. That makes it tougher for any goalie on the planet, is when there's traffic. It can hit a shinpad or lay there for a rebound, so we just need to do a better job of really digging in as a forward group and getting bodies in front of him."

Carolina has one even-strength goal against Bobrovsky in the series. The Hurricanes scored twice on the power play in Game 1. Drawing penalties on Florida and creating commotion in front of the net on the power play could be the X-factor in Game 4.

The Hurricanes must also find a way to create more five-on-five chances, whether that be through crashing the net more or switching up lines to produce more pressure on goal.

The shot volume is there for the Hurricanes. They have a 135-103 advantage in the series, but they must find a more effective way to beat Bobrovsky to extend the series for at least one more game.