Blackhawks vs. Panthers prediction, odds, start time: 2025 NHL betting picks for season opener by proven model

Panthers enter as heavy home favorites; betting markets favor Florida (-289) on the moneyline while totals sit at 5.5. Punters may lean Florida to win and consider a light Over play—game projections suggest roughly 5.6 goals, so a modest Over or a Florida moneyline stake could be the safer play for bettors.

Panthers Host Blackhawks to Kick Off 2025-26 NHL Season

The Chicago Blackhawks and two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers meet Tuesday for the season opener at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. Opening faceoff is set for 5 p.m. ET. Florida enters as a strong favorite after a deep playoff run, while Chicago looks to challenge with a young core led by Connor Bedard.

Game Info and Betting Odds

Lines to note

Panthers moneyline: -289 Blackhawks moneyline: +231 Total (over/under): 5.5 goals Run line: Florida -1.5 (-111)

Why the Panthers Can Win

Center Sam Reinhart remains the engine of Florida’s offense after a 79-game campaign with 81 points (39 goals, 42 assists). He was especially effective on the power play and finished among the team’s shot leaders. With Aleksander Barkov sidelined long-term by a knee injury, Carter Verhaeghe is expected to shoulder more offensive responsibility; last season he tallied 53 points and contributed in critical playoff moments. Florida’s home form and depth up front make them the clear favorite to control the matchup.

Why the Blackhawks Can Compete

Chicago’s attack is driven by 20-year-old Connor Bedard, who played a full 82 games a season ago and led the team with 67 points, including 23 goals and 44 assists. Bedard also paced the power play and finished with the team’s highest shot volume. Veteran Ryan Donato provides secondary scoring punch and consistency; his 31-goal season last year gave Chicago an added threat. If Bedard and Donato find early chemistry, Chicago can keep the contest competitive.

Injury Report

Alex Vlasic (lower body) is not expected to play for Chicago. Florida will be without Aleksander Barkov for an extended recovery (at least seven months), elevating Verhaeghe’s role on the top lines and power play.

Betting Outlook and Matchup Keys

Markets and strategic leans

Florida’s heavy moneyline support reflects home advantage and playoff experience; the Panthers look likely to win straight-up and could cover a moderate spread. Scoring projections cluster near the 5.5 mark—a slight lean toward the Over is reasonable given both teams’ offensive catalysts, but bettors should weigh goaltending and early-season line chemistry. For conservative plays: consider a small moneyline wager on Florida or a modest Over on 5.5 goals.

Key matchups to watch

- Reinhart vs. Chicago’s defensive matchups: how Panthers’ top center is contained will shape Florida’s attack. - Bedard vs. Panthers’ youth coverage: if Bedard gets space, Chicago can generate chances and push the total. - Power play efficiency: with Barkov out, which team executes special teams better could decide the margin.

Bottom Line

Expect Florida to open as the dominant favorite at home, with Chicago relying on youthful firepower to hang around. Market lines suggest a Panthers victory is the likeliest outcome, while totals and matchup dynamics leave room for a competitive, slightly higher-scoring affair.

SportsLine's model simulated Chicago vs. Florida 10,000 times and revealed its NHL picks for Tuesday's season opener at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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