The Chicago Blackhawks will go on the road to play the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers as part of the NHL’s season-opening tripleheader Oct. 7. The game will kick off ESPN’s slate at 4 p.m., with the New York Rangers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 and the Los Angeles Kings hosting the Colorado Avalanche at 9:30.

The two-time reigning National Hockey League champion Florida Panthers will host the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7 in the opening game of the 2025-2026 season, the league announced Monday. The Panthers,

The Florida Panthers are set to raise their second consecutive Stanley Cup banner before beginning the NHL season against the Chicago Blackhawks. Florida defeated Edmonton in the teams' Cup final rematch and is aiming for the NHL's first threepeat since the New York Islanders' dynasty from 1980-83.