NHL Predictions, Betting Picks, Latest Odds for NHL Opening Night Triple-header
The 2025-26 NHL is about to be underway, with three games dropping the puck on Tuesday's opening night. Matt MacKay breaks down each matchup with his best betting pick for October 7th's faceoff to the NHL season.
Matt MacKay - October 7, 2025, 2:15 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadNHL Predictions, Betting Picks, Latest Odds for NHL Opening Night Triple-header
The NHL is backing with an opening night triple-header for fans to sit back and enjoy. It all starts with the defending champion Florida Panthers hosting the Chicago Blackhawks at 5:30 p.m. ET.
This first matchup is followed by the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers at 8:00 p.m. ET. Then, Tuesday night's slate ends with a Western Conference tilt between the Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings at 10:30 p.m. ET.
NHL handicapper Matt MacKay is back with predictions and a betting pick for each matchup ahead of tonight's triple-header. Follow Matt's X account for more NHL betting insight and free picks.
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NHL Opening Night Date, Time, And Where to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
- Start Times: 5:00 PM - 10:30 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
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Blackhawks vs. Panthers Prediction
Chicago and Florida have been polar opposites for the last few seasons. The Blackhawks have young star talent, led by Connor Bedard, while the Panthers just lost one of their top players, Alexander Barkov, with a season-ending knee injury.
Despite Barkov's absence and Bedard adding firepower to Chicago's offense, there's no reason to expect an upset in this game. Sergei Bobrovsky will start in the net for Florida tonight and the two-time Vezina Trophy winner will be tough for the Blackhawks to crack.
Bet the Panthers to win on the puck line as a -1.5 favorite at -108 odds. The team is too talented to experience a hangover loss during its second consecutive opening night banner celebration as defending Stanley Cup champions.
Blackhawks vs. Panthers Pick
- Pick: Florida Panthers -1.5 (-108) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best Blackhawks vs. Panthers odds
Penguins vs. Rangers Prediction
Pittsburgh and New York offer profiles as a fun matchup to watch at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins are sizable underdogs on the road at +190 on the moneyline, while the game total is set to 6.0.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain one of the most talented tandems in hockey, despite their age. Pittsburgh benefits from a veteran presence and leadership that can propel them to a win against the Rangers.
New York had a disappointing finish to its 2024-25 season, missing the playoffs altogether. There are still high expectations for this team heading into the 2025-26 season but the Penguins are being undervalued in this spot.
Pittsburgh will deploy Arturs Silovs in the crease as the starting goaltender against New York. Silovs will make his debut as a Penguins netminder, while Igor Shesterkin returns in the net for the Rangers following an up-and-down campaign.
I'm willing to back Pittsburgh as an underdog against New York tonight. They are healthy and have a new goaltender, which was the position that haunted them the most last season.
Bet on the Penguins' +1.5 puck line at -130 odds.
Penguins vs. Rangers Pick
- Pick: Penguins +1.5 (-130) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best Penguins vs. Rangers odds
Avalanche vs. Kings Prediction
The last matchup in this NHL triple-header should be a competitive outing between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings. Oddsmakers have set this game close to a pick'em, with the Avs favored on the road at -115 odds.
The Kings once again couldn't advance past the First Round of the playoffs. They were one of the best teams at home last season, so it's tempting to bet on Los Angeles as a home underdog.
Darcy Kuemper and Scott Wedgewood are expected to start in the net for this game. Kuemper was stout in between the pipes, posting a 2.02 GAA in 2024-25. Wedgewood wasn't a slouch either, recording a 1.99 GAA in 18 regular season starts following his trade from Nashville to Colorado.
Los Angeles was one of the best defensive teams last year. Colorado is an offense loaded with playmakers like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, however, this game feels like it's going to be a low-scoring contest.
Bet under 6 total goals between the Avalanche and Kings in the final game of tonight's NHL opening night triple-header.
Avalanche vs. Kings Pick
- Pick: Under 6 (-118) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best Avs vs. Kings odds
NHL ODDS
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