If you want more Action Network content, be sure to add us as a preferred source on Google.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Vegas Golden Knights will meet on Opening Night of the 2026-27 NHL season tonight. Puck drop is set for 10:30 p.m. EDT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Golden Knights are favored at 70 cents on the moneyline, with the Blackhawks 31 cents to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 5.5.
Let's get into our Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights predictions and NHL picks.
Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights Prediction
- Pick: Under 5.5
Our Chicago vs. Vegas best bet is on the under on Kalshi. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page and make sure to download the Action Network app for more picks and analysis!
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights Kalshi Odds
Chicago Blackhawks Preview
Newly named captain Connor Bedard may not be taking the ice to start the season for the Blackhawks, as he’s still ramping up from his off-season shoulder injury.
Regardless, I’d be lying if I wasn’t intrigued by the Blackhawks. First because of the poetic nature of Patrick Kane being back in the Windy City. But secondly, I love the young core here.
Oliver Moore, fresh off a shiny new extension, is going to be starting the season on the first line next to Russian sensation Roman Kantserov, who is beginning his rookie season.
I’m also hoping for a breakout season for Frank Nazar. The former first-round pick posted quality numbers in his sophomore season, but was outrageously inconsistent for the most part.
The problem for Nazar, though, is that in a perfect world, he should be centering the first line beside Moore. Instead, he’s projected to start on the third line while the rookie Kantserov gets the glory.
Luckily, he’s still young, but I worry about his projected top-six ceiling.
Lastly, I think the sky is the limit for Chicago after seeing how well goaltender Spencer Knight. His second season in Chicago proved that he’s ready to be a full-time starter, which is why the Hawks gave him a three-year deal. He’ll be looking to build off his season where he posted a .902 SV% and a 10.9 GSAx.
Vegas Golden Knights Preview
Vegas is entering uncharted territory after running up for the Stanley Cup. The Knights hired internally.
I’m still a little confused with how they approached the last half season. After letting go of Bruce Cassidy, they brought in John Tortorella. Torts brings them to the Stanley Cup Finals. Vegas decides not to extend him and instead promotes its AHL coach, Ryan Craig, as the new bench boss.
The Knights never did things the traditional way, so I guess this isn’t a surprise, but it's still bizarre.
For the most part, this team is in tact from last season, and I’m curious to see how they respond to Craig. Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and captain Mark Stone are obviously undeniable, but Vegas’ bottom-six is looking a little bit different.
I love the pickup of Marc Gatcomb. Ever think you’d be reading that sentence?
Truth is, Gatcomb plays the style that Vegas typically likes to run. Hit anything that moves, defend your teammates, and light the lamp when given the opportunity. I’m also really excited to see how former first round pick, Trevor Connelly fares.
Connelly was a top-10 pick in my eyes, but after some off-the-ice controversy, he slipped to the late first. But skill wise, he’s a total beauty, and will fit in perfectly in Sin City.
On the goaltending side, we still don’t know who’s starting, but I’d guess it’s Carter Hart. I don’t take Hart’s season stats into play here, since his true form was in the playoffs where he posted a .907 SV% and a 2.0 GSAx.
Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights Preview
It’s really a shame that we won’t get to see Bedard tonight. I actually think his presence would help make this one of the more entertaining games on the slate.
I started modeling this offseason and started tinkering around with new outcomes from last season’s numbers. If Bedard is on the ice, I think the Blackhawks have a legitimate shot at winning this.
But it’s not that simple.
Coming into last season, both of these teams had significant questions about their net. Yet, after last season for Knight and the playoffs for Hart, I think it’s safe to say that those questions have been answered.
Both of these netminders have proven that they can take over games if need be, and I’m projecting this score to go under 5.5 goals.
However, since this is a Kalshi bet, if I see a goal scored in the first five minutes, I’d be more inclined to sell and live bet the over.
Best Bet: Under 5.5 (45 Cents)
