Chicago (0-0-0) at Florida (0-0-0)
- When: Oct 7 2025, 5:00 PM
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL, USA
- TV: ESPN
Chicago vs Florida NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Florida -285
Spread: Florida -1.5 (-112)
Total: 5.5
Florida Panthers Betting Outlook
The back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers begin their title defense with some major adversity. Captain Aleksander Barkov and star winger Matthew Tkachuk are both sidelined to start the season, Barkov after knee surgery and Tkachuk with lingering groin and adductor issues. Losing their top playmaker and leading agitator dramatically shifts Florida’s early-season outlook.
Still, this team knows how to win. Coach Paul Maurice will rely heavily on Florida’s depth and defensive structure, backed by elite goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky. The 37-year-old veteran has been money in the postseason and continues to deliver stability, posting a 2.44 GAA last year. Expect Florida to grind through games with a disciplined, low-scoring style until their stars return.
Even short-handed, the Panthers have a strong home-ice advantage and championship pedigree. Their defense-first mindset and superior goaltending should allow them to control tempo and limit high-danger chances against a young Chicago squad.
Panthers Betting Angle: Florida is 10-2 in its last 12 home openers and thrives as a heavy favorite against inexperienced teams. Expect them to play tight, methodical hockey early, the kind of game that leans toward the under on the total.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Outlook
The Blackhawks come into the new season with a clean slate, a fresh voice behind the bench, and a youthful roster eager to prove itself. Former Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill takes over in Chicago, emphasizing structure and responsibility, exactly what a rebuilding team needs.
All eyes will again be on Connor Bedard, the 20-year-old phenom who led the team in assists (44) and points (67) last season. Bedard is expected to be the focal point of an offense still searching for consistency. He’ll need help from a supporting cast that remains unproven against elite defensive teams like Florida.
Between the pipes, Spencer Knight gets the nod against his former club. The young netminder’s split season between Chicago and Florida last year was uneven, but this is his shot to solidify the No. 1 role. If Knight can keep composure early, he could give the Blackhawks a fighting chance to hang around.
Blackhawks Betting Angle: Chicago’s youth and lack of scoring depth make them volatile as an underdog. They’ve dropped eight straight season openers against playoff teams and often struggle on the road against elite goaltending. Their best hope is to slow the game and capitalize on rare power-play chances.
NHL Prediction & Betting Angle
Florida may be missing their stars, but their system, goaltending, and championship DNA remain intact. Chicago’s young core will show flashes, but experience and defensive discipline should tilt this opener in Florida’s favor.
Score Prediction: Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2
Pick: Chicago +1.5 (-108)
Total: Under 5.5 (-105)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
