The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to knock off the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1 – 0 Blackhawks
How to Watch TV: NHL Network, CHSN, Scripps, SN1
Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks are looking for revenge against Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in an opening-night rematch.
When these two teams met on opening night, the 3-2 final score did not indicate how dominant the Panthers were. Even though Frank Nazar opened the scoring, A.J. Greer and Carter Verhaeghe answered, capping a first period which saw a 17-3 shot advantage for Florida. Teuvo Teravainen tied it before Jesper Boqvist netted the decisive third goal to secure the win. The Panthers really controlled the play and leaned on the young Hawks. Chicago is hoping to get off to a better start in this one and come out victorious.
Blackhawks Looking to Continue Picking Up Points
The Hawks come into this game at a good time, as they’ve strung together three consecutive good performances. The most recent games against the Hurricanes and Lightning, two of the best teams in the league, have gone to extra time, with the Hawks beating Carolina. In this recent stretch, Oliver Moore and Nick Lardis have turned in great efforts. Moore, in particular, celebrated his 21st birthday against the Hurricanes with an assist and fight, to go along with the shootout-winning goal. He also netted an assist on Newfoundlander Ryan Greene‘s marker against Tampa. Additionally, the line of Ryan Donato, Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev has started to turn a corner offensively. Mikheyev has three points in the last three games, as the line has been able to use their speed to push the play forward and generate offence.
Defensively, there are things to clean up that have been masked by good goaltending and points in the standings. They have surrendered over 30 shots in each of their last three, with stretches of chasing the play. Connor Murphy scored against the Hurricanes, but not much offence has been generated from the back end. The story has been goaltending. Spencer Knight started against Winnipeg and Carolina, securing a 28-save win against the Canes. The Hawks have needed good goaltending, and they’ve gotten it. Arvid Soderblom turned in an excellent bounce-back effort against Tampa, turning away 30 of 31 shots, including many high-danger power play opportunities. That being said, expect (former Panther) Knight back in the crease against his former team.
Panthers’ Quest for Third Straight Cups Continues
Tonight’s game is the second half of a back-to-back for the Panthers. The team knocked off the Minnesota Wild last night in overtime. Brad Marchand returned to the lineup and immediately made his mark. He netted two goals and an assist, including the game-winner in overtime. Sam Reinhart had a goal and an assist, upping his team-leading point total to 49. Additionally, Matthew Tkachuk has returned to Florida’s lineup and recorded two assists in the win. The Panthers really put together an impressive performance against one of the top teams in the league.
The Panthers are one of, if not the most, injured teams in the NHL. Tkachuk has only suited up in three games, while the team continues to play without captain Aleksander Barkov and former Blackhawk Seth Jones. Dmitry Kulikov and Jonah Gadjovich are also on the shelf for an extended time. To make up for the loss of Jones and Kulikov, Aaron Ekblad and another former Hawk, Gustav Forsling, shoulder the bulk of the minutes. They do an excellent job of shutting down the other team’s top players, so the Hawks will be in for a tough night. In the crease, Sergei Bobrovsky earned the 18-save victory yesterday, meaning Daniil Tarasov should start against the Hawks.
As always, however, now is a good time to mention our disclaimer. Always check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.
NHL Prediction
The Panthers have an interesting scheduling dynamic for this matchup. Their game against Minnesota started at 9:00 p.m., and they have to travel to Chicago on short rest. Expect the Hawks to be able to take advantage of that early and generate some offence. We like the Hawks to come through and get a massive two points.
Prediction: 3-2 (OT) Chicago
Prop Bets
Carter Verhaeghe has played well against the Blackhawks in his career. We like him to light the lamp at +250. The Hawks are +126 on the moneyline, while we like Connor Bedard to get back on the scoresheet with a goal at +155.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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