The Vegas Golden Knights open their season as hefty 72% home favorites against the Chicago Blackhawks, and my Blackhawks vs. Golden Knights prediction and NHL picks expect Vegas to justify that price.
The Golden Knights have the deeper roster and enough offensive firepower to put Chicago under pressure from the opening faceoff. If Vegas controls possession and avoids giving the Blackhawks easy transition looks, this has the makings of a comfortable opening-night win.
Puck drop is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 10:30 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena.
TOP PICK
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights prediction: Golden Knights -1.5
The Vegas Golden Knights are laying a goal and a half on opening night, but the matchup gives them a strong chance to notch a comfortable victory, so I'm playing this to 52%.
The Chicago Blackhawks begin the season without Connor Bedard after ranking 30th in scoring last year, and they also allowed 3.29 goals per game in 2025-26.
Vegas returns most of the core that reached the Stanley Cup Final and owns a substantial talent advantage at home. The Golden Knights should also be highly motivated after falling short in the Finals, and they’ve covered the spread in three of their last five meetings with Chicago.
With the moneyline offering little value, Vegas is worth a serious look at this price.
COVERS INTEL: 
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights combo
Chicago's defensive issues are as clear as day, and Vegas is a team with many offensive weapons. I could see the Golden Knights scoring three or four on their own tonight, which means the Blackhawks wouldn't need to contribute much.
Three of the last five head-to-heads have cashed the Over as well.
Jack Eichel averaged 3.60 shots on goal per game last season, and he was even more productive at home, averaging 3.91.
The matchup is favorable, too. Chicago struggled to suppress shots last season, allowing 29.96 per game, which ranked near the bottom of the NHL.
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights combo
- Golden Knights -1.5
- Over 5.5
- Jack Eichel Over 3.5 shots on goal
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights goal scorer: Jack Eichel
I'm also eyeing Eichel to find the back of the net. He scored 27 goals last season, plays on the top line, and is also a fixture on PP1, giving him plenty of opportunities to score.
Eichel consistently generated quality looks at home, too. At 5-on-5, he produced 72 individual scoring chances and 25 high-danger opportunities in Vegas last season, with his scoring-chance total ranking Top 5 on the team.
Against a Chicago defense that struggled to suppress both shots and goals last season, Eichel should have plenty of chances to make an impact on opening night.
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights player prop: Patrick Kane Over 0.5 points
Play to 58%.
Patrick Kane is back in Chicago to likely finish out his storied career, and with Bedard sidelined, the veteran will be asked to step up tonight. He was brilliant last season with the Detroit Red Wings, finishing just shy of a point per game with 57 points in 67 contests.
Kane is expected to play on the top line alongside Oliver Moore and Roman Kantserov, and he’ll also skate on PP1. The veteran remains an elite playmaker while still carrying plenty of scoring ability, so he should be heavily involved in Chicago’s season opener.
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights odds
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- Moneyline: Blackhawks 29% | Golden Knights 72%
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (57%) | Under 5.5 (45%)
- Spread: Blackhawks +1.5 (45%) | Golden Knights -1.5 (48%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights trend
The Golden Knights are 6-1 in their last seven games as a favorite. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Blackhawks vs Golden Knights
| Location | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Blackhawks vs Golden Knights latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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