Florida at New York

Florida won a surprising first place in the Atlantic Division with depth and balance, ranking #8 in goals scored and #7 in goals allowed. They never slipped and come off an impressive, and much needed, 3-1 win in Game 2 to tie the series up. The Panthers are 27-11 against the Eastern Conference, plus 20-8 after allowing two goals or less in their previous game. Florida has already won here, 5-1 back in December, and has outscored New York 17-12 in five meetings this season. Goalie Roberto Luongo was between the pipes for both contests here in New York, stopping 58 of 62 shots, improving his career goals-against average on the road against the Islanders to 2.30. New York is just 5-5 its last 10 home games, including losing three of the last four here. The Islanders are 8-21 in their last 29 Conference Quarterfinals games and have lost three times to Florida, while winning twice by just one goal each time. The visitors, with their great defense, have more than enough to get the victory or lose by just one goal again. Play Florida on the puckline.