Florida beats Ottawa to take 3-0 series lead.

Ottawa -- Antti Miettinen scored his second game winner in a row to propel the Florida Panthers into a commanding 3-0 series lead.

The Ottawa Senators pumped up by the home crowd had a tremendous first period on Tuesday night. But the Sens could not beat their former teammate Patrick Lalime.

Lalime stopped 14 shots in the first period to set the tone for the rest of the night.

"Patty has been terrific for us," said Jason Spezza. "They came out flying and he kept us in the game."

After weathering the storm, the Southern Cats scored late in the first period thanks to a Paul Ranger one-timer. It was Rangers 5th goal in his last 9 playoff games for the Panthers.

Kyle Calder scored a short-handed goal in the second period which deflated the Sens and lifted the Panthers to a 2-0 lead. It was a lead they needed as the Sens fought back in period three to make it close. Miettinen's game winner was sandwiched between Ottawa goals from Cammalleri and Phaneuf.

Game four goes Thursday night with Ottawa needing the win to stay alive.

GAME NOTES: Mike Sillinger continues his brilliant play versus the Sens. Sillinger had two assists in game three which gives him 7 points in the series ...... Marc Savard was back in the line-up after sitting out the last four games due to a suspension ..... Petr Taticek was sent to the press box to make room for Savard ..... Taticek had seven points in seven playoff games ..... Jonas Hiller was the surprise starter in goal for Ottawa. He made 25 saves in a losing cause.