The Chicago Blackhawks and two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers drop the puck on the 2025-2026 NHL season when they meet on Tuesday. Florida was a fifth seed in the East last season, while Chicago finished 15th in the West. The Blackhawks (25-46-11), who placed eighth in the Central, were 10-26-5 on the road last year. The Panthers (47-31-4), who were third in the Atlantic, were 27-12-2 on their home ice. Chicago defenseman Alex Vlasic (lower body) isn't expected to play.

Opening faceoff is set for 5 p.m. ET from Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. The teams split their two matchups last year, with the home team winning each time. The Panthers are the -289 favorite (risk $289 to win $100) in the latest Blackhawks vs. Panthers odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total goals scored is 5.5, and the Panthers are -1.5 favorites on the puck line (-111).

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