NHL Season Opener Preview
Golden Knights Host Blackhawks in NHL Season Opener Without Injured Connor Bedard
Anonymous
Previews of the September 29, 2026, Blackhawks–Golden Knights season opener in Las Vegas portray the Golden Knights as heavy favorites, while noting Chicago will be without injured captain Connor Bedard. Betting recommendations vary: one handicapper favors Jack Eichel to record at least three shots on goal, another backs Chicago’s team total over 2.5 goals, and a separate preview picks the game total over. The case for Chicago scoring rests on its developing offense and veteran additions, while the Eichel prop is based on expectations that Vegas will control play and generate chances at home. One AI betting preview lists recent head-to-head and team trends but provides no clear pick in the supplied excerpt.
Key Points
1
Chicago’s offseason additions included the return of Patrick Kane and the arrival of defenseman Bowen Byram, whom the preview described as a major piece of the Blackhawks’ young blue line.
2
The preview cited different coaching situations: Chicago was beginning its second season under Jeff Blashill, while Ryan Craig was making his regular-season debut as Vegas coach.
3
The teams split their first two meetings last season—Vegas won 4-3 in a shootout and Chicago won 3-2 in overtime—before the Golden Knights finished the series with a 4-0 victory.
4
The AI preview reported contrasting recent form from the prior season: Chicago went 1-4 in its last five games, while Vegas won its last five and covered the puck line in four of those five.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
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Reach
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