The Chicago Blackhawks host the Florida Panthers in the NHL season opener Tuesday. Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Blackhawks vs. Panthers odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2024-25 season series: Split 1-1
Chicago struggled last season, finishing in the basement of the Central Division with a 25-46-11 record and just 61 points. The team went 10-26-5 on the road and finished with a minus-70 goal differential overall. C Ryan Donato led the team with 31 goals, while C Connor Bedard and LW Tyler Bertuzzi each scored 23.
Florida sets out on its quest for a third straight Stanley Cup. The Panthers finished third in the Atlantic Division last season with a 47-31-4 record, including 27-12-2 at home. C Sam Reinhart led the team with 39 goals and 81 points, while C Aleksander Barkov — who will miss the 2025-26 season with a knee injury — had a team-high 51 assists.
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Blackhawks at Panthers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Blackhawks +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Panthers -285 (bet $285 to win $100)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-110) | Panthers -1.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Blackhawks at Panthers projected goalies
Spencer Knight (17-16-3, 2.72 GAA, .902 SV%, 2 SO in 2024-25 with Blackhawks and Panthers) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (33-19-2, 2.44 GAA, .906 SV%, 5 SO in 2024-25)
Spencer played the first half of last season with the Panthers before being acquired by the Blackhawks. Between the 2 teams, he started 36 of the 38 games he appeared in. He played much better in the first half of the season with Florida, posting a 12-8-1 record with a 2.40 GAA and 2 shutouts before the trade to Chicago.
Bobrovsky was one of the NHL’s top goalies last season. His wins and shutouts each ranked fourth in the league, while his goals-against average ranked fifth. Entering his 16th season, he’s still performing at an elite level and remains a steady anchor for the Panthers.
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Blackhawks at Panthers picks and predictionsPrediction
Panthers 4, Blackhawks 2
PASS.
There is minimal value on the Panthers (-285) to win their first game back at home since winning the championship.
BET PANTHERS -1.5 (-110).
Bobrovsky will be the difference in this matchup. Despite the Panthers missing Barkov and LW Matthew Tkachuk (adductor), the team still has better coaching and the pieces needed to fill the gaps Barkov and Tkachuk leave.
Knight is an uncertain goalie who will be put on his heels against his former team. The Blackhawks are a young team still finding their footing, which is a recipe for disaster against the reigning champions.
BET OVER 5.5 (-115).
Both offenses are capable of delivering a one-two punch that can find the back of the net.
The Blackhawks had a 44-32-6 Over record last season, while the Panthers went 54-50-1 to the Over. With a low total to open the season and new-look attacks on both sides, the Over is the best bet.
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