Tuesday night marks the start of a new NHL season as the Panthers welcome the Blackhawks to Amerant Bank Arena for their opening clash.
Florida enters the campaign riding a remarkable wave of success. After reaching the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive seasons and finally hoisting their first-ever championship trophy in 2024, the two-time defending champions have firmly established themselves among the league's elite.
Even with captain Aleksander Barkov sidelined for the entire regular season due to a knee injury, the Florida Panthers still enter the year as the frontrunners in the race for a historic third consecutive Stanley Cup.
Chicago, on the other hand, finds itself in a rebuilding phase reminiscent of Florida's earlier struggles. Once a modern dynasty with Stanley Cup triumphs in 2010, 2013, and 2015, the Blackhawks have fallen on hard times, finishing 31st out of 32 teams in each of the past two campaigns and missing the postseason for five straight years.
Here is how fans can watch the Panthers vs. Blackhawks on NHL opening night.
What channel is Panthers vs. Blackhawks on today?
Panthers vs. Blackhawks will air live on ESPN nationally, with Sean McDonough (play-by-play) and Ray Ferraro (analyst) expected to be on the game call.
Viewers can also stream the game with ESPN app or Fubo.
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Panthers vs. Blackhawks start time
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Time: 5 p.m. ET or 2 p.m. PT
The Panthers and Blackhawks are set for puck drop at 5 p.m. ET or 2 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The game is being played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Panthers vs. Blackhawks radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM
Listen to Panthers vs. Blackhawks live with SiriusXM on channel 91 (Panthers broadcast) and online (Blackhawks broadcast).
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NHL Opening Night schedule 2025
Tuesday, Oct. 7
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Panthers vs. Blackhawks | 5 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Penguins vs. Rangers | 6 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Kings vs. Avalanche | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |