Published Oct 6, 4:54am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 6, 4:54am ET
Credit: AI Generated
The 2025 NHL season kicks off on Tuesday, October 7, as the defending champions aim to make a winning start to their defense. The Florida Panthers will have home ice advantage on Tuesday, while the Blackhawks will be an outside chance to achieve a playoff finish in 2025. You can find the odds and our Blackhawks vs. Panthers picks here.
|
|
|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | +228 |
| Florida Panthers | -265 |
| Total | Blackhawks | Panthers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 57 | 30 | 24 |
| Total Goals | 339 | 177 | 162 |
The 2024 season was a campaign that the Panthers will remember for a long time after winning the Stanley Cup for the second successive season. History could await for Paul Maurice's team in 2026, as they bid to join legendary teams that have won the honor in three straight seasons.
It hasn't been all plain sailing for the Panthers during pre-season, going 3-4-0. However, they did look back to somewhere near their best on Sunday after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-0. Evan Rodrigues was a standout performer after netting three goals.
There will be immediate pressure on the Blackhawks this season after missing out on a playoff spot for the fifth straight campaign in 2024. However, small positives can be taken following their 15th-place finish in the Western Conference.
Jeff Blashill will be tasked with getting Chicago back on track in 2025, but the initial signs aren't hugely promising after winning just twice in pre-season.
This will be a daunting prospect for the Blackhawks on opening night, especially considering their poor road record last term after going 10-26-5. A big statement win for the Panthers could be delivered at Amerant Bank Arena this week.
|
Pick
Panthers (-1.5) (-110)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
