Vegas vs Chicago Prediction 30 September 2026
🔊 Vegas are kicking off the new season fresh off a run to the Stanley Cup Final. Over the summer, the Golden Knights managed to keep most of their core intact, but made a coaching change and parted ways with Pavel Dorofeyev, last season’s top goal scorer. Chicago have their own setback, and it’s a big one: Connor Bedard underwent shoulder surgery and won’t be back until at least November. As a result, the Blackhawks will open their campaign without the player who led the team in points for three straight seasons.
Twice, extra time was required
📊 Last regular season, Vegas took two out of three games against Chicago. Their opening clash went the distance, with the Golden Knights edging out a 4-3 win in a shootout. A month later, the Blackhawks responded with an overtime victory. The final meeting saw a different story altogether-Vegas dominated on home ice, posting a 4-0 shutout. All told, the season series averaged 5.33 goals per game, and in two of the three matchups, the teams failed to reach a combined total of six goals.
Head-to-head statistics Vegas - Chicago
The final hardly changed anything.
Vegas finished last regular season atop the Pacific Division with a 39-26-17 record, then advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Over the summer, the Golden Knights managed to retain most of their core-16 players from that roster remain with the team. The biggest change comes behind the bench: Ryan Craig is set to begin his first season as an NHL head coach.
There’s also a significant loss up front. Pavel Dorofeyev, who netted 72 goals over the past two seasons, was traded to the Rangers. Others will need to step up and fill that scoring void. William Karlsson and Mark Stone are back after missing time last year, Jack Eichel should see more opportunities on the power play, and Victor Olofsson returns to Vegas following stints with Colorado and Calgary.
Match Results: Vegas Golden Knights
The main weapon is still missing.
Chicago wrapped up last season with a 29-39-14 record, once again missing out on the playoffs. Offensive struggles plagued the Blackhawks throughout the campaign-they averaged just 2.56 goals per game, ranking 30th in the NHL. Defensively, things weren’t much better as they allowed 3.29 goals per contest, keeping them among the league’s weakest backlines.
The start of the new season doesn’t make things any easier up front. Connor Bedard, who tallied 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games, is set to remain sidelined until November after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Over the summer, Chicago brought back Patrick Kane and bolstered their blue line with Bowen Byram. With their captain out, more offensive responsibility will fall to Frank Nazar, Anton Lundell, Ryan Donato, and the rest of the remaining forwards.
Match Results: Chicago Blackhawks
⚡️ Key Players
Jack Eichel racked up 90 points (27 goals, 63 assists) in 74 games last regular season, finishing with a +23 plus-minus rating. Mitch Marner tallied 80 points (24+56) across 81 appearances. Mark Stone featured in 60 games, posting 73 points (28 goals, 45 assists) and a +26 rating.
For Chicago, among players available to start the season, Tyler Bertuzzi leads the way with 58 points (32 goals, 26 assists) in 79 games. Frank Nazar contributed 41 points (15+26) over 66 outings, while Teuvo Teräväinen wrapped up the regular season with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 75 games.
🥅 Goaltenders
Carter Hart played 18 games for Vegas last regular season, picking up 11 wins. He posted a .891 save percentage with a 2.71 goals-against average. Adin Hill saw action in 27 contests, recording ten victories, an .871 save percentage, and a 3.04 GAA.
In Chicago, Spencer Knight shouldered most of the workload, making 55 appearances with 19 wins and three shutouts. His numbers: .902 save percentage and a 2.82 GAA. Arvid Söderblom featured in 26 games, earning eight wins and stopping .880 of shots faced, with a 3.80 GAA.
⭐️ Editor’s Prediction
Last season, these teams only once combined for seven goals in their head-to-head clashes. The next two meetings ended with five and four goals, respectively, giving an average total of 5.33 across the three games. Preseason results paint a similar picture: in three of Vegas’ four games, the combined score stayed under seven, while none of Chicago’s matchups exceeded six goals. Adding to that, the Blackhawks are opening the season without Bedard, their top scorer from last year. My pick is under 6.5 total goals.
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Betting Tips: Vegas Golden Knights - Chicago Blackhawks
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