Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers Prediction: Take Blackhawks +1.5 (+100)

🏒 Game Preview – Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers Prediction

The 2025–26 NHL season opens in Sunrise, Florida, where the Florida Panthers host the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday evening (5:00 PM ET). This Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers prediction takes a deep look at team news, trends, and value — with a strong angle on the puck line.

Florida enters the new campaign looking to build on last year’s 47-31-4 record and a strong 33-15-3 home performance. Their special teams were elite in 2024–25, converting 23.8% of power-play opportunities, but the Panthers begin the new season shorthanded. Both Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are sidelined with long-term injuries, removing two of the league’s most influential forwards from the lineup.

Chicago, meanwhile, is rebuilding around Connor Bedard, but this isn’t the same lifeless group we saw last year. The Blackhawks have added proven experience and depth with Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, and Andre Burakovsky, while former Panther Spencer Knight is set to start in goal against his old team. Chicago finished 25-46-11 last season but should be far more competitive early, particularly against a Florida side missing star power.

📊 Key Stats – Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers Prediction

• Florida scored 56 power-play goals last season (23.8% success).
• Chicago averaged 2.7 goals per game but upgraded scoring depth significantly this offseason.
• The Panthers are missing Barkov, Tkachuk, and Nosek, combining for 65+ goals last year.
• Spencer Knight faces Florida for the first time since being traded to Chicago.

🔎 Matchup Outlook

Without their top offensive weapons, the Panthers will need to rely on Verhaeghe, Bennett, and Marchand — but chemistry will take time. Chicago’s lineup, while young, now includes more responsible two-way players, and their blue line rotation is more balanced. The motivation edge is also on the visitors’ side, with Knight eager to prove himself against his former team.

With Florida heavy favorites at home (-286), the market has over-adjusted to last season’s records rather than the current rosters. That creates strong puck-line value on the underdog.

💰 Betting Recommendation – Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers Prediction

➡️ Bet: Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (+100)
➡️ Stake: 8 units
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This is a great spot to start the season with value on a competitive underdog catching a full goal and a half.

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Odds calculator via sports-statistics.com

🏆 Final Score Prediction

Florida Panthers 3 – 2 Chicago Blackhawks

Expect a tight, low-scoring season opener where the Blackhawks +1.5 delivers.

Bonus Link

Check out our full season breakdown here 👉 2025–26 NHL Betting Preview