Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers: Bets, Odds, Picks and Predictions on Oct 7th
Written By Nick Crain | Last Updated at October 13, 2025
The NHL season is officially back, and opening night is here. The action begins with the reigning champs raising another banner, as the Florida Panthers celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup before the puck drops.
From there, all eyes turn to their pursuit of a three-peat, a feat rarely seen in modern sports. The Panthers are +1000 (via bet365) to win the Stanley Cup this season, which means they're not the favorite to do so.
The first obstacle on that path to three in a row comes in the form of the Chicago Blackhawks, a rebuilding franchise beginning to piece things back together in hopes of returning to the mountaintop they once stood on not so long ago. There’s no doubt Florida enters this matchup as the superior team, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of betting opportunities worth targeting in this season opener.
As the puck drops on the new season, there’s no better time to get in on the action with the top sports betting apps on the market. Whether you’re building a same-game parlay or taking a shot on a longshot prop, make sure to take advantage of the latest promotions before locking in your bets.
Here are the best bets for the NHL's season opener between the Panthers and Blackhawks.
Florida Panthers Team Total o3.5
Odds: -125 (via bet365)
Again, Florida is the heavy favorite in this one. In the playoffs last season, the Panthers proved they could score a significant number of goals on anyone, and the Blackhawks today should be no different.
With emotions high, and a chance to set the tone for the back-to-back champs, this will be a game in which Florida is even more motivated. Scoring four goals today should be no problem in front of the home crowd.
Parlay: Brad Marchand and Connor Bedard Each to Record 1+ Point
Odds: +200 (via BetMGM)
Bedard is undoubtedly Chicago's best player and the face of the franchise, so if anyone has the ability to keep this game close, it's him. He will need help from his teammate, but the young superstar is as good as it gets on the ice.
Marchand logged just 23 goals last season, which is low for his standards, but now that he's fresh from an offseason and better integrated into the Panthers' system, today is a big spot for him. He was quiet in the regular season after the trade deadline, but really showcased his value in the playoffs.
Sam Reinhart o0.5 Assists
Odds: -110 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Reinhart was second on the team in assists last season with 42 in 79 games. With the Panthers missing Aleksander Barkov -- their top assist man from a year ago -- Reinhart will need to step up.
With the opener being an opportunity to show he's ready for the challenge, expect Reinhart to be even more motivated to make things happen. He's a key piece of this team and part of the connective tissue that makes it all work.
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost Opening night offers more than just great hockey. It’s also loaded with value across the top sportsbooks. Again, be sure to check out opening day promotions before puck drop to get the best boosts and bonuses as the NHL season begins.
Today's game between the Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks is the first of many great opportunities to cash in on high-value bets throughout the 2025-26 NHL campaign.
All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 6
Mandatory Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
-
The Lakers Are Quietly Becoming a Smart Futures Bet in the West
-
Best NCAAB Bets Today: Predictions, Picks and Props for Nov. 7 Slate
-
Best NHL Player Props, Parlay Picks, and Anytime Goal Scorer Picks For Today Nov. 7
-
Best NBA Bets Today: Picks & Predictions for Nov. 7
-
NBA Player Props Today: Nov. 7 Slate Brings NBA Cup Action
-
Dabble Promo Code: BTSLINES for MNF Week 10 Betting: Eagers @ Packers