Rod Brind’Amour Frustrated as Hurricanes Fall to Panthers in Game 3 Blowout, Face Elimination Again
The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves teetering on the brink of playoff elimination after suffering a third straight loss to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals—eerily mirroring their fate in 2023. Saturday’s 6-2 defeat at Amerant Bank Arena not only pushed the Panthers to a commanding 3-0 series lead, but also left Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour visibly disheartened.
“There’s a couple of guys in there that I don’t think came to play the way they needed to.”
Rod Brind’Amour on the Hurricanes’ performance so far in the Eastern Conference Final. pic.twitter.com/C4yXPrvgbO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2025
Brind’Amour didn’t hold back in the post-game press conference. When asked how a veteran team like Carolina could unravel so quickly, he pointed to poor decision-making and the unexpected reliance on inexperienced players. “The four rookies in the lineup can’t be some of your better players,” he said, expressing concern over players like Alexander Nikishin being forced into key roles. The absence of defensemen Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield further exposed the Canes’ lack of top-tier depth.
Carolina’s top line—Taylor Hall, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis—was thoroughly outplayed by Florida’s front trio, managing zero goals and just 16.80% expected goals at even strength. The Panthers didn’t just outscore them, they outworked and outpaced them across the ice, seizing control early and never letting go.
Brind’Amour’s frustration boiled over as he pointed out the careless turnovers and lack of urgency. “You do that in a preseason game, and it’ll cost you. Do that against Florida? It’s game over,” he stated.
This latest loss marks Carolina’s 15th consecutive Eastern Conference Final defeat. They haven’t won a game at this stage since 2006, and with Game 4 still in Florida, their path to survival looks increasingly bleak.
Despite the gloom, Florida’s players like Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand emphasized their respect for Carolina’s grit, warning against underestimating a team with its back against the wall. “Nobody enjoys playing Carolina,” Tkachuk admitted, recognizing the Hurricanes’ reputation for scrappy, relentless hockey.
Still, unless Brind’Amour can rally his squad to reverse momentum immediately, the Hurricanes’ playoff run is on the verge of another heartbreak. Game 4 could be their last shot.