In the latest Stanley Cup Playoffs update, the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes both secured pivotal victories in their respective series, pushing their opponents to the brink of being swept.

• Final score: Panthers 5, Lightning 3
• Final score: Hurricanes 3, Islanders 2

• Florida Panthers lead the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0
• Carolina Hurricanes lead the series against the New York Islanders 3-0

Both the Lightning and the Islanders face must-win situations as they try to avoid being swept in their series by the Panthers and Hurricanes, respectively.

The Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes are in commanding positions, on the verge of advancing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs while their opponents face significant challenges to stay alive in the series.