- The 2024-25 NHL season kicks off Tuesday night (Oct. 8)
- We’ve made expert predictions for Bruins vs Panthers and Blackhawks vs Utah
- Read below for the best NHL Opening Night predictions and picks
The new NHL season is upon us, and the opening night slate offers some intriguing matchups. Among the highlights is the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers raising their banner before facing the Boston Bruins, and the debut of the Utah Hockey Club against the Chicago Blackhawks.
We’ve made plays on both the Bruins vs Panthers and Blackhawks vs Utah games. Let’s dive into the opening night NHL odds and offer our expert predictions for Tuesday’s action.
Tuesday NHL Odds – Opening Night
| Game Time (ET) | Team | Puck Line | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Oct. 8 | BOS Bruins | +1.5 (-180) | O 6 (-102) | +135 |
| 7:30 PM | FLA Panthers | -1.5 (+150) | U 6 (-118) | -155 |
| Game Time (ET) | Team | Puck Line | Total | Moneyline |
| Tuesday, Oct. 8 | CHI Blackhawks | +1.5 (-170) | O 6 (-118) | +145 |
| 10:00 PM | UTAH Hockey Club | -1.5 (+145) | U 6 (-122) | -170 |
In the opening night NHL odds, the heaviest moneyline favorite is the Utah Hockey Club (-170) in their debut against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Bruins vs Panthers game and Blackhawks vs Utah matchup each feature game totals of 6.
Odds as of October 8, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Browse the best NHL betting apps for Opening Night.
Bruins vs Panthers Prediction
The Bruins visit the Panthers on Tuesday night in a game that was in jeopardy of being postponed due to hurricanes. As of now, it appears all ships are clear. This is the season opener for both teams, with the Panthers raising their Stanley Cup championship banner before the game.
The Panthers are slight favorites at -155 on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 6. Boston swept the four-game regular season series last year, but Florida won their playoff matchup 4-2.
I tend to like the Under when these two teams match up. However, it’s worth noting recently inked Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman hasn’t been confirmed to start tonight. On the other side, Sergei Bobrovsky is confirmed after posting a .906 save percentage for the Panthers during their Cup run.
Jim Montgomery says Jeremy Swayman is “a possibility” for tomorrow’s season opener
pic.twitter.com/7j4GvfWsCq
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 7, 2024
I lean towards the Under if Swayman is confirmed, due to both goalies being capable. However, I like a few player props for this game, including David Pastrnak over 3.5 shots on goal and Brad Marchand over 0.5 assists.
Pastrnak led the NHL in shot attempts last season and averaged 4.5 shots per game. He cleared 3.5 shots in 67% of games last season and 70% of road games. The 3.5 line offers value compared to his usual 4.5 shot prop.
Marchand, meanwhile, is a skilled veteran entering the final year of his contract. He should be motivated to perform well in the season opener against the team that eliminated the B’s from the 2024 postseason.
Bos-FLA Picks:
- David Pastrnak Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (-155 at Bet365)
- Brad Marchand 1+ Assists (+150 at DK)
- Under 6 -118 (if Swayman starts)
Blackhawks vs Utah Prediction
The Utah Hockey Club makes their official franchise debut against the Chicago Blackhawks in the late game tonight. The showdown will be played at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, which will be the team’s first home since relocating from Arizona.
The Delta Center atmosphere should be electric as fans in Utah welcome NHL hockey. I predict the home crowd energy will provide a significant boost for the Utah players and help them win in a rather convincing fashion.
IT’S FINALLY HERE!
Join us for all the inaugural game fun today.
#UtahHC | @Delta pic.twitter.com/xSBc6v3Vc2
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) October 8, 2024
While Utah is a new franchise, their roster largely consists of players from last year’s Arizona Coyotes team, providing some built-in chemistry and continuity. In contrast, Chicago added several new players like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen, who may need time to gel with their new teammates.
Furthermore, Utah had a strong preseason, going 5-2-0, including two wins over the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche. Chicago, meanwhile, struggled in the preseason with a 1-4-1 record, including surrendering 13 goals in back-to-back games vs Minnesota.
The Blackhawks have Hart Trophy odds contender Connor Bedard leading the offense, but their defense is a major weakness yet again in 2024-25. Look for Utah’s young offensive stars to feast in their first home game at their new arena.
CHI-UTAH Pick:
- Utah Hockey Club -1.5 (+145)
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The post Tuesday NHL Picks for Opening Night: Bruins-Panthers, Blackhawks-Utah appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
