Predictions, Odds, and Player Props for Saturday Afternoon Hockey Matchup between Blackhawks and Panthers

• The Chicago Blackhawks (16-30-5) visit the Florida Panthers (30-19-3) on Saturday afternoon
• We’ve made our Blackhawks vs Panthers prediction for Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Read below for Blackhawks vs Panthers odds and picks for today’s 1:00 PM ET game on ABC

The Florida Panthers (30-19-3) host the struggling Chicago Blackhawks (16-30-5) in a Saturday matinee matchup on February 1, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 PM Eastern Time, with national coverage provided by ABC.

The Panthers enter as heavy -400 home favorites, while the over/under is set at 6 goals. Can Matthew Tkachuk and the Cats take advantage of a vulnerable Blackhawks blueline missing a key d-man?

Here is our Blackhawks vs Panthers prediction and best prop bets for Saturday afternoon hockey.

Blackhawks vs Panthers Prediction

I’m backing the Over 6 goals in what should be a high-scoring affair between two teams with potent offenses and suspect defenses.

The total has gone over in 6 of the last 9 meetings between these clubs, and all signs point to another goal-fest on Saturday. Sharp money has steamed the Panthers from -165 up to -400 at Bet365, an indication that pros expect Florida to exploit a Chicago defense that ranks 30th in shots allowed.

The Blackhawks will be without top blueliner Connor Murphy (groin) and also have question marks between the pipes with Petr Mrazek (.895 SV%) and Arvid Soderblom (.909 SV%) both struggling. Chicago has surrendered 3.39 goals per game this season, 29th in the NHL.

While the Blackhawks have issues keeping pucks out of their net, they do boast some offensive firepower led by sophomore phenom Connor Bedard (45 points in 51 games). Wingers Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen are also dangerous, while Chicago’s power play ranks a respectable 9th (23.8%).

The Panthers, meanwhile, sit 8th on the PP (24.2%) and 9th in scoring (3.19 goals per game). Florida is led by Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov up front and has been pouring in the goals lately with3+ goals in each of their last four victories.

Chicago did manage to upset Florida 3-1 in their first meeting back on November 21st, so they’ve shown the ability to get to Sergei Bobrovsky and a Panthers defense that can be vulnerable. Expect fireworks on both sides in this one.

Saturday Hockey Best Bet:

• Over 6.0 Goals (-110 at Bet365)

Blackhawks vs Panthers Odds

The Panthers are heavily favored to win outright, with the moneyline odds at -400. This means that a $400 bet on Florida would return a profit of $100 if they get the victory. Conversely, the Blackhawks are significant underdogs at +320, offering a potential $320 profit on a $100 wager.

Florida is listed at -1.5 (-140) on the puck line, while Chicago is +1.5 (+120). A bet on the Panthers puck line would cash if they prevail by two goals or more. The Blackhawks puck line bet hits if Chicago either wins or loses by a single goal.

The total is set at a lofty 6 goals, with equal -110 juice to the over and under. Oddsmakers clearly envision a wide-open, high-scoring affair between these teams at Amerant Bank Arena.

Odds as of February 1, 2025 at Bet365 Sportsbook. Claim free bets and bonuses from Florida online sportsbooks while wagering on the Panthers.

Blackhawks vs Panthers Player Props

NHL player props odds as of Feb. 1 at Bet365. Shop for the best NHL player prop odds using our NHL prop betting tool.

Consider these best NHL player prop bets for Saturday’s Blackhawks vs Panthers clash:

Matthew Tkachuk – Over 0.5 Assists (-125)
Tkachuk has been filling the scoresheet all season for Florida, racking up 16 goals and 31 assists in 47 games. He’s dished out four assists over his last three games, including a pair of helpers last time out vs LA . Look for him to set up a goal against a porous Chicago defense.

Connor Bedard – Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+120)
The Blackhawks’ prized youngster has already ripped 120 shots on goal in his first 51 games this season. He’s heating up with goals in back-to-back games and should see plenty of chances to unload the puck against a Panthers team that allows over 31 shots per game.

Sam Reinhart – Anytime Goalscorer (+110)
Reinhart leads the Panthers with 29 goals on the season and is due for a big game with only one gino in his past four outings. The sharpshooting winger scored in the first meeting with Chicago and has a good chance to find twine again on Saturday afternoon.

The Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off against the Florida Panthers in an exciting Saturday afternoon hockey matchup. Both teams have been performing well this season, making this game a must-watch for fans of both teams.

The Blackhawks are coming off a strong win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with key players like Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat leading the charge. Kane has been on fire this season, leading the team in points and assists. DeBrincat has also been a standout player, scoring goals left and right. With these two players leading the charge, the Blackhawks are looking like a formidable opponent for the Panthers.

On the other hand, the Panthers have been on a hot streak as well, with players like Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau leading the charge. Barkov has been a force to be reckoned with, scoring goals and setting up plays for his teammates. Huberdeau has also been a key player for the Panthers, providing scoring opportunities and creating chances for his teammates.

In terms of predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have strong offenses and solid defenses, making it difficult to predict a clear winner. However, based on recent performances, the Blackhawks may have a slight edge over the Panthers. With players like Kane and DeBrincat firing on all cylinders, the Blackhawks have a good chance of coming out on top in this matchup.

As for odds, the Blackhawks are currently favored to win this game, with odds of -120. The Panthers are not far behind, with odds of +110. This indicates that oddsmakers believe the Blackhawks have a slight advantage in this matchup.

In terms of player props, look for Kane and Barkov to have standout performances in this game. Both players have been playing at an elite level this season and are likely to make a big impact on the outcome of this game. Keep an eye on these two players as they battle it out on the ice.

Overall, Saturday’s matchup between the Blackhawks and Panthers is shaping up to be an exciting one. With both teams playing at a high level, fans can expect a fast-paced and competitive game. Tune in to see which team comes out on top in this thrilling hockey matchup.