The Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers kick off the 2025-26 NHL season. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m. EDT at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Panthers are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (-120o / +100u). The Panthers are a -290 favorite to win outright, while the Blackhawks are +235 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Blackhawks vs. Panthers predictions and NHL picks.
Blackhawks vs. Panthers Odds, Pick
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 5.5 -120o / 100u | +235 |
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 5.5 -120o / 100u | -290 |
- Blackhawks vs. Panthers Spread: Panthers -1.5 (-110), Blackhawks +1.5 (-110)
- Blackhawks vs. Panthers Over/Under: 5.5 (-120o / +100u)
- Blackhawks vs. Panthers Moneyline: Blackhawks +235, Panthers -290
Blackhawks vs. Panthers Preview
The Florida Panthers kick off the 2025-26 campaign looking to become the first team to three-peat since the New York Islanders in the early 1980s. However, long before they make that postseason push, the Panthers will try to avoid a post-Cup hangover.
Not only will Florida be dealing with that hangover in a matchup against a team that isn’t viewed as a long-term threat, but it’s also dealing with a multitude of injuries. The Panthers’ two best players are Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, both of whom led the team in on-ice expected goals percentage last season.
Unfortunately, Barkov is out for the season after blowing out his knee, while Tkachuk is out until at least December as he recovers from surgery to repair a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle. In addition to those losses, key contributors Aaron Ekblad and Anton Lundell are both questionable due to injuries sustained in the preseason.
Considering Florida is expected to make another Cup run, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team errs on the side of caution and doesn’t rush these players back. That means four key players could be out for this opening matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, who will be looking to start the season on a high note.
Chicago is a young team in the midst of a rebuild, but for the first time since it blew up the roster nearly three years ago, most of its top prospects are on the roster, with the exception of last year’s draft picks. Connor Bedard has already established himself as one of the best young players in hockey, and he’s now joined by cornerstone prospects Frank Nazar and Sam Rinzel.
This group should bring plenty of energy on opening night, especially against a team looking more to the future than the present. Furthermore, goaltender Spencer Knight will start between the pipes for the Hawks.
Dating back to last season, Knight boasts a .908 save percentage and 2.64 goals-against average over his past 24 games. This will also mark his first start against his former team.
Blackhawks vs. Panthers Prediction
Are the Blackhawks a better team than the Panthers? Absolutely not. Are they even in remotely the same tier? Nope.
However, in this game specifically, there are several reasons to believe they’ll at least keep things close. Florida is missing its two best players and potentially more, while also looking to avoid a post-Cup hangover.
Meanwhile, the Hawks are an energetic young team looking to start the season strong, and they’re starting a capable goaltender who has the added motivation of facing his former team.
Best Bet: Blackhawks +1.5 (-110 | Play to -115)
