NHL Projected Lineups – Game Day April 14, 2026
Date: April 13, 2026
By IceHockeyMan Newsroom
Final update: All projected lineups for today have been added.
Matchup: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Detroit Red Wings
Faceoff: 01:00 CET
Tampa Bay Lightning – Projected lineup
Forwards
Gage Goncalves – Anthony Cirelli – Nikita Kucherov
Jake Guentzel – Brayden Point – Corey Perry
Zemgus Girgensons – Nick Paul – Yanni Gourde
Scott Sabourin – Connor Geekie – Oliver Bjorkstrand
Defense
J.J. Moser – Declan Carlile
Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak
Charle-Edouard D’Astous – Emil Lilleberg
Goalies
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Jonas Johansson
Scratched: Steven Santini
Injured: Brandon Hagel, Darren Raddysh, Pontus Holmberg, Dominic James, Max Crozier
IHM Lineup Note:
Tampa Bay still carries elite offensive control through Kucherov and Point, and Cirelli gives this lineup strong matchup discipline. Even with some missing support pieces, the structure remains dangerous because the Lightning can win both rush sequences and half-ice possessions.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Tampa can pressure in layers without losing its defensive shape.
Transition Signal: Kucherov and Point remain the main tempo manipulators.
Blue Line Signal: McDonagh and Cernak stabilize the hard defensive minutes.
Goalie Stability Signal: Vasilevskiy is the most reliable game-state anchor in this matchup.
X-Factor Signal: Tampa’s top-six finishing should punish any loose defensive spacing.
Detroit Red Wings – Projected lineup
Forwards
Emmitt Finnie – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat – Andrew Copp – Patrick Kane
David Perron – J.T. Compher – Carter Mazur
James van Riemsdyk – Marco Kasper – Dominik Shine
Defense
Simon Edvinsson – Moritz Seider
Ben Chiarot – Justin Faulk
Albert Johansson – Jacob Bernard-Docker
Goalies
John Gibson
Cam Talbot
Scratched: Travis Hamonic, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
Injured: Michael Rasmussen, Mason Appleton
IHM Lineup Note:
Detroit still has enough top-six skill to threaten off the rush, especially through Larkin, Raymond, Kane, and DeBrincat. The issue is whether the Red Wings can hold defensive structure long enough against Tampa’s layered attack and elite puck-management habits.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Detroit can create quality pressure in bursts, but not always with full second-wave support.
Transition Signal: Larkin remains the most important pace carrier for Detroit.
Blue Line Signal: Seider and Edvinsson must absorb heavy matchup minutes.
Goalie Stability Signal: Gibson gives Detroit a chance, but the ceiling still leans Tampa.
X-Factor Signal: Detroit needs strong execution on limited offensive windows.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Lightning edge
Transition Edge: Lightning slight edge
Defensive Stability: Lightning edge
Goaltending Edge: Lightning clear edge
Game Control Projection: Tampa Bay projects to own more of the possession and territorial battle, while Detroit’s best chance is a sharp conversion game off rush chances.
Matchup: Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers
Faceoff: 01:00 CET
Florida Panthers – Projected lineup
Forwards
Mackie Samoskevich – Eetu Luostarinen – A.J. Greer
Wilmer Skoog – Cole Schwindt – Jesper Boqvist
Nolan Foote – Tomas Nosek – Noah Gregor
Cole Reinhardt – Luke Kunin – Vinnie Hinostroza
Defense
Gustav Forsling – Mike Benning
Donovan Sebrango – Ludvig Jansson
Toby Bjornfot – Marek Alscher
Goalies
Daniil Tarasov
Sergei Bobrovsky
Scratched: Matthew Tkachuk
Injured: Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Seth Jones, Dmitry Kulikov, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues, Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, Anton Lundell, Uvis Balinskis, Brad Marchand, Aleksander Barkov, Jonah Gadjovich
IHM Lineup Note:
Florida is severely depleted and looks nothing like its normal identity version. The Panthers now rely on system discipline and goaltending survival more than sustained offensive pressure or matchup domination.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Florida’s pressure game is much lighter than usual due to missing core forwards.
Transition Signal: Clean exits and connected support are harder with this current personnel.
Blue Line Signal: The back end is stretched and can be exposed under repeat pressure.
Goalie Stability Signal: Bobrovsky remains the emergency stabilizer if he gets the crease.
X-Factor Signal: Florida must keep this game low-event to stay in control range.
New York Rangers – Projected lineup
Forwards
Gabe Perreault – Mika Zibanejad – Alexis Lafreniere
Tye Kartye – J.T. Miller – Conor Sheary
Will Cuylle – Vincent Trocheck – Jonny Brodzinski
Adam Sykora – Noah Laba – Jaroslav Chmelar
Defense
Vladislav Gavrikov – Adam Fox
Matthew Robertson – Will Borgen
Drew Fortescue – Braden Schneider
Goalies
Jonathan Quick
Igor Shesterkin
Scratched: Vincent Iorio, Adam Edstrom, Taylor Raddysh, Dylan Garand
Injured: Matt Rempe, Urho Vaakanainen
IHM Lineup Note:
The Rangers have enough top-nine structure to carry more of the game here, especially with Fox controlling exits and Zibanejad, Trocheck, and Miller giving them stronger center support than Florida currently has available.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: New York can apply controlled pressure and recover pucks against Florida’s weakened depth.
Transition Signal: Fox is the key driver of clean breakout flow.
Blue Line Signal: Gavrikov and Fox give the Rangers a reliable top-pair platform.
Goalie Stability Signal: Shesterkin would be a major edge if used, though Quick’s final NHL start adds emotional weight.
X-Factor Signal: The Rangers should target Florida’s stretched defensive layers early.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Rangers edge
Transition Edge: Rangers edge
Defensive Stability: Rangers slight edge
Goaltending Edge: Even to Panthers slight edge if Bobrovsky starts, Rangers edge if Shesterkin starts
Game Control Projection: New York projects as the more complete team, while Florida needs an extremely disciplined, low-scoring script to offset its injury crisis.
Matchup: Philadelphia Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Faceoff: 01:00 CET
Philadelphia Flyers – Projected lineup
Forwards
Tyson Foerster – Trevor Zegras – Owen Tippett
Travis Konecny – Christian Dvorak – Porter Martone
Denver Barkey – Noah Cates – Matvei Michkov
Luke Glendening – Sean Couturier – Garnet Hathaway
Defense
Travis Sanheim – Rasmus Ristolainen
Cam York – Jamie Drysdale
Nick Seeler – Emil Andrae
Goalies
Dan Vladar
Samuel Ersson
Scratched: Garrett Wilson, Carl Grundstrom, Alex Bump, Noah Juulsen, David Jiricek
Injured: Rodrigo Abols, Nikita Grebenkin
IHM Lineup Note:
Philadelphia remains competitive because of its work rate and line commitment, but this is still a matchup where the Flyers can get overwhelmed if Carolina’s puck pressure stays connected through all four lines.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: The Flyers can disrupt, but not always with Carolina’s volume or detail.
Transition Signal: Michkov, Tippett, and Konecny are the main danger carriers.
Blue Line Signal: Sanheim is the main stabilizer when under zone pressure.
Goalie Stability Signal: The crease is good enough to keep Philadelphia alive, but not a projected matchup edge.
X-Factor Signal: Philadelphia needs to convert on fewer chances than Carolina will likely create.
Carolina Hurricanes – Projected lineup
Forwards
Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Jordan Martinook
William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Bradly Nadeau
Nicolas Deslauriers – Skyler Brind’Amour – Eric Robinson
Defense
K’Andre Miller – Jalen Chatfield
Alexander Nikishin – Sean Walker
Mike Reilly – Charles Alexis Legault
Goalies
Brandon Bussi
Frederik Andersen
Scratched: Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis, Jaccob Slavin, Shayne Gostisbehere
Injured: None
IHM Lineup Note:
This is a heavily rotated Carolina version, but the Hurricanes still carry their core team identity of pace, support routes, and forecheck structure. The missing stars reduce the ceiling, yet the system remains uncomfortable to play against.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Carolina still pressures in layers and reloads faster than most teams.
Transition Signal: Hall and Ehlers provide the main pace and carry elements here.
Blue Line Signal: Chatfield’s return helps restore some defensive rhythm.
Goalie Stability Signal: Andersen offers the safer crease profile if he starts.
X-Factor Signal: Carolina’s team structure can still win this matchup even with major names resting.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Even
Transition Edge: Hurricanes slight edge
Defensive Stability: Hurricanes slight edge
Goaltending Edge: Hurricanes slight edge
Game Control Projection: Carolina still projects to play the cleaner territorial game, but Philadelphia can make this tight if it turns the matchup into a grind and wins key rush moments.
Matchup: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Dallas Stars
Faceoff: 01:30 CET
Toronto Maple Leafs – Projected lineup
Forwards
Easton Cowan – John Tavares – William Nylander
Matias Maccelli – Max Domi – Matthew Knies
Steven Lorentz – Luke Haymes – Nicholas Robertson
Ryan Tverberg – Jacob Quillan – Calle Jarnkrok
Defense
Morgan Rielly – Troy Stecher
Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – William Villeneuve
Goalies
Artur Akhtyamov
Joseph Woll
Scratched: Michael Pezzetta, Philippe Myers
Injured: Auston Matthews, Dakota Joshua, Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, Anthony Stolarz
IHM Lineup Note:
Toronto is still missing too much central structure to feel fully balanced. Nylander and Tavares remain the main offensive brains, but the lineup lacks its usual matchup safety and is vulnerable to deeper, more complete opponents.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Toronto needs short, efficient zone time rather than a long-possession battle.
Transition Signal: Nylander remains the primary controlled-entry engine.
Blue Line Signal: The pairings can compete, but they lack ideal shutdown comfort.
Goalie Stability Signal: Akhtyamov adds uncertainty if he starts again.
X-Factor Signal: Toronto’s depth lines must survive rather than simply tread water.
Dallas Stars – Projected lineup
Forwards
Michael Bunting – Wyatt Johnston – Mikko Rantanen
Jason Robertson – Matt Duchene – Mavrik Bourque
Justin Hryckowian – Radek Faksa – Jamie Benn
Arttu Hyry – Oskar Back – Colin Blackwell
Defense
Thomas Harley – Tyler Myers
Esa Lindell – Ilya Lyubushkin
Kyle Capobianco – Alexander Petrovic
Goalies
Casey DeSmith
Jake Oettinger
Scratched: Lian Bichsel, Adam Erne
Injured: Nathan Bastian, Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Nils Lundkvist, Tyler Seguin, Sam Steel
IHM Lineup Note:
Dallas still arrives with far more structural depth and gets important boosts from Faksa and Bunting returning. Even without Heiskanen and Hintz, the Stars look more complete across four lines and in goal.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Dallas can pressure intelligently and sustain more second-wave recovery than Toronto.
Transition Signal: Johnston, Robertson, Duchene, and Rantanen give the Stars multiple clean-entry threats.
Blue Line Signal: Missing Heiskanen matters, but Lindell and Harley keep the back end functional.
Goalie Stability Signal: Oettinger is a strong matchup edge if used.
X-Factor Signal: Dallas can attack Toronto’s center-depth weakness over sixty minutes.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Stars edge
Transition Edge: Stars edge
Defensive Stability: Stars slight edge
Goaltending Edge: Stars edge
Game Control Projection: Dallas projects to be the more repeatable and balanced team in this matchup, while Toronto needs star-driven finishing and timely goaltending to stay even.
Matchup: St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild
Faceoff: 02:00 CET
St. Louis Blues – Projected lineup
Forwards
Dylan Holloway – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
Pavel Buchnevich – Pius Suter – Jordan Kyrou
Jake Neighbours – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jonathan Drouin
Alexey Toropchenko – Jack Finley – Otto Stenberg
Defense
Philip Broberg – Logan Mailloux
Theo Lindstein – Colton Parayko
Cam Fowler – Tyler Tucker
Goalies
Joel Hofer
Jordan Binnington
Scratched: Justin Holl, Jonatan Berggren, Matthew Kessel, Oskar Sundqvist, Nathan Walker
Injured: None
IHM Lineup Note:
St. Louis has the healthier and more recognizable NHL structure in this game. Thomas, Buchnevich, Kyrou, and Parayko give the Blues a stronger controlled-play base than a heavily rested Minnesota lineup.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: The Blues can tilt the game through repeat pressure from their top three lines.
Transition Signal: Thomas remains the cleanest possession driver in the matchup.
Blue Line Signal: Parayko and Broberg provide more normal NHL-level matchup stability here.
Goalie Stability Signal: Binnington or Hofer both keep St. Louis in a stable crease position.
X-Factor Signal: The Blues should exploit Minnesota’s rested regulars being out of the lineup.
Minnesota Wild – Projected lineup
Forwards
Yakov Trenin – Danila Yurov – Vladimir Tarasenko
Marcus Johansson – Hunter Haight – Bobby Brink
Nico Sturm – Michael McCarron – Nick Foligno
Robby Fabbri – Ben Jones – Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Defense
Jonas Brodin – Jared Spurgeon
Jake Middleton – Brock Faber
Daemon Hunt – Matt Kiersted
Goalies
Filip Gustavsson
Jesper Wallstedt
Scratched: Mats Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, Zach Bogosian, Jeff Petry, Viking Gustafsson-Nyberg, Matt Boldy, Marcus Foligno, Ryan Hartman, Quinn Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov
Injured: None
IHM Lineup Note:
Minnesota is clearly in a rest-and-manage configuration here. There is still enough defensive intelligence to stay organized, but this lineup lacks too much of its usual scoring, pace, and finishing depth.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: The Wild are unlikely to pressure with their usual volume or danger level.
Transition Signal: Tarasenko and Yurov become much more important than normal.
Blue Line Signal: Brodin, Spurgeon, and Faber still keep the defensive base respectable.
Goalie Stability Signal: Gustavsson can keep the game alive if the workload gets heavy.
X-Factor Signal: Minnesota needs a low-event script and strong special teams to compensate for missing stars.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Blues edge
Transition Edge: Blues edge
Defensive Stability: Even
Goaltending Edge: Even
Game Control Projection: St. Louis projects to carry more of the attack and normal game rhythm, while Minnesota’s best route is a controlled, low-volume contest shaped by structure and goaltending.
Matchup: Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks
Faceoff: 02:00 CET
Nashville Predators – Projected lineup
Forwards
Steven Stamkos – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista
Filip Forsberg – Matthew Wood – Jonathan Marchessault
Zachary L’Heureux – Erik Haula – Joakim Kemell
Reid Schaefer – Fedor Svechkov – Tyson Jost
Defense
Brady Skjei – Roman Josi
Adam Wilsby – Nick Perbix
Ryan Ufko – Justin Barron
Goalies
Justus Annunen
Juuse Saros
Scratched: Ozzy Wiesblatt, Kevin Gravel
Injured: Nicolas Hague
IHM Lineup Note:
Nashville has a stronger veteran spine in this matchup, and even with some lineup uncertainty, the Predators should control more of the game through Josi, O’Reilly, Forsberg, and Stamkos.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Nashville can pressure more physically and more consistently than San Jose.
Transition Signal: Josi remains the main puck-flow architect from the back end.
Blue Line Signal: The group is workable, though Josi carries a lot of the load.
Goalie Stability Signal: Annunen in the starter’s crease still gives Nashville a stable matchup profile.
X-Factor Signal: Nashville’s veteran details should matter in close sequences.
San Jose Sharks – Projected lineup
Forwards
Igor Chernyshov – Macklin Celebrini – Will Smith
William Eklund – Alexander Wennberg – Kiefer Sherwood
Collin Graf – Michael Misa – Tyler Toffoli
Barclay Goodrow – Zack Ostapchuk – Adam Gaudette
Defense
Dmitry Orlov – Vincent Desharnais
Mario Ferraro – Shakir Mukhamadullin
Sam Dickinson – Luca Cagnoni
Goalies
Alex Nedeljkovic
Yaroslav Askarov
Scratched: Pavol Regenda, Philipp Kurashev, John Klingberg, Ty Dellandrea, Nick Leddy
Injured: Ryan Reaves
IHM Lineup Note:
San Jose still has exciting skill, but the lineup remains more fragile defensively and can be pushed off its structure when the opponent controls the middle of the ice and forces repeated retrievals.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: The Sharks can create moments, but not enough sustained structure behind them.
Transition Signal: Celebrini and Smith are still the main attack accelerators.
Blue Line Signal: The defense is mobile in spots but vulnerable over long defensive shifts.
Goalie Stability Signal: Nedeljkovic is functional, though not a clear matchup edge.
X-Factor Signal: San Jose needs its young skill to finish above expectation.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Predators edge
Transition Edge: Predators slight edge
Defensive Stability: Predators edge
Goaltending Edge: Predators slight edge
Game Control Projection: Nashville projects to manage more of the game through veteran structure and cleaner five-on-five details, while San Jose needs a looser, more skill-driven exchange.
Matchup: Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres
Faceoff: 02:30 CET
Chicago Blackhawks – Projected lineup
Forwards
Ryan Greene – Connor Bedard – Nick Lardis
Tyler Bertuzzi – Anton Frondell – Ilya Mikheyev
Ryan Donato – Frank Nazar – Andre Burakovsky
Landon Slaggert – Sacha Boisvert – Teuvo Teravainen
Defense
Wyatt Kaiser – Sam Rinzel
Alex Vlasic – Louis Crevier
Kevin Korchinski – Ethan Del Mastro
Goalies
Spencer Knight
Arvid Soderblom
Scratched: Sam Lafferty, Dominic Toninato
Injured: Matt Grzelcyk, Artyom Levshunov, Oliver Moore, Andrew Mangiapane
IHM Lineup Note:
Chicago still has some danger because Bedard changes the threat level every shift, but the Blackhawks remain inconsistent in defensive support and can get pinned if the opponent’s defense joins quickly.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Chicago can pressure, but not with elite repeatability over the full game.
Transition Signal: Bedard and Nazar are the main speed and creativity points.
Blue Line Signal: Youth on the back end creates risk against faster puck-moving opponents.
Goalie Stability Signal: Knight can keep Chicago competitive when the shot quality rises.
X-Factor Signal: Bedard’s line must win the offensive minutes clearly.
Buffalo Sabres – Projected lineup
Forwards
Peyton Krebs – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Jason Zucker – Ryan McLeod – Jack Quinn
Zach Benson – Josh Norris – Josh Doan
Jordan Greenway – Tyson Kozak – Beck Malenstyn
Defense
Rasmus Dahlin – Owen Power
Mattias Samuelsson – Bowen Byram
Logan Stanley – Zach Metsa
Goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Colten Ellis
Scratched: Michael Kesselring, Conor Timmins, Josh Dunne, Tanner Pearson
Injured: Alex Lyon, Sam Carrick, Noah Ostlund, Jiri Kulich, Justin Danforth
IHM Lineup Note:
Buffalo brings the cleaner top-end talent and more dangerous puck-moving defense. Dahlin, Power, Thompson, and Tuch give the Sabres multiple routes to control the game instead of relying on one line or one player.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Buffalo can turn Chicago’s young blue line around with layered pressure.
Transition Signal: Dahlin and Power drive a major pace advantage.
Blue Line Signal: The Sabres have a clear edge in puck transport and offensive extension.
Goalie Stability Signal: Luukkonen is the more stable projected option in this matchup.
X-Factor Signal: Buffalo should attack off quick regains and force Chicago into long-zone defense.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Sabres edge
Transition Edge: Sabres clear edge
Defensive Stability: Sabres slight edge
Goaltending Edge: Sabres slight edge
Game Control Projection: Buffalo projects to own more of the dangerous possession and should dictate pace if it avoids feeding Bedard transition space.
Matchup: Edmonton Oilers vs Colorado Avalanche
Faceoff: 03:30 CET
Edmonton Oilers – Projected lineup
Forwards
Vasily Podkolzin – Connor McDavid – Matthew Savoie
Isaac Howard – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jack Roslovic
Colton Dach – Josh Samanski – Trent Frederic
Curtis Lazar – Adam Henrique – Kasperi Kapanen
Defense
Mattias Ekholm – Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse – Connor Murphy
Jake Walman – Ty Emberson
Goalies
Connor Ingram
Tristan Jarry
Scratched: Owen Michaels, Spencer Stastney
Injured: Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jason Dickinson, Mattias Janmark, Max Jones
IHM Lineup Note:
Edmonton still has McDavid, and that alone changes the game, but without Draisaitl and Hyman the Oilers lose a huge amount of finishing gravity and matchup control. The burden on McDavid becomes extreme.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Edmonton’s pressure game is less punishing without some of its key finishers.
Transition Signal: McDavid remains the single most explosive pace driver in the matchup.
Blue Line Signal: Ekholm and Bouchard must absorb both defensive and puck-driving responsibility.
Goalie Stability Signal: The crease does not project as a clear edge for Edmonton.
X-Factor Signal: Edmonton needs McDavid to dominate the middle-lane battle.
Colorado Avalanche – Projected lineup
Forwards
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Gabriel Landeskog
Valeri Nichushkin – Brock Nelson – Martin Necas
Ross Colton – Nicolas Roy – Joel Kiviranta
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Logan O’Connor
Defense
Devon Toews – Sam Malinski
Brett Kulak – Brent Burns
Nick Blankenburg – Jack Ahcan
Goalies
Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scratched: Zakhar Bardakov
Injured: Nazem Kadri, Cale Makar, Josh Manson
IHM Lineup Note:
Colorado is also missing key pieces, but MacKinnon plus Landeskog, Nichushkin, Nelson, Necas, and Toews still give the Avalanche a very serious attack platform. The structure is not perfect without Makar, but the ceiling remains high.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Colorado can still overwhelm defenses through pace and second-wave support.
Transition Signal: MacKinnon remains the most dangerous north-south force besides McDavid in this game.
Blue Line Signal: Missing Makar matters, though Toews still stabilizes the first pair.
Goalie Stability Signal: Colorado’s crease profile looks slightly calmer overall.
X-Factor Signal: The Avalanche can attack Edmonton’s depth beyond the McDavid line.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Even
Transition Edge: Even
Defensive Stability: Avalanche slight edge
Goaltending Edge: Avalanche slight edge
Game Control Projection: This projects as a star-driven game with major speed on both sides, but Colorado looks slightly more balanced across the full lineup while Edmonton leans heavily on McDavid to tilt the script.
Matchup: Seattle Kraken vs Los Angeles Kings
Faceoff: 03:30 CET
Seattle Kraken – Projected lineup
Forwards
Bobby McMann – Matty Beniers – Jordan Eberle
Eeli Tolvanen – Chandler Stephenson – Jaden Schwartz
Berkly Catton – Frederick Gaudreau – Kaapo Kakko
Ryan Winterton – Oscar Fisker Molgaard – Jacob Melanson
Defense
Vince Dunn – Adam Larsson
Josh Mahura – Brandon Montour
Ryker Evans – Jamie Oleksiak
Goalies
Nikke Kokko
Victor Ostman
Scratched: Ryan Lindgren, Ben Meyers, Eeli Tolvanen
Injured: Shane Wright, Philipp Grubauer, Joey Daccord, Matt Murray, Jared McCann
IHM Lineup Note:
Seattle is severely compromised in goal and also misses key offensive pieces. The Kraken still skate well, but this setup leaves them under-equipped for a full matchup battle against a structured Kings team.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: Seattle can still pressure in pockets, but sustaining control is harder without depth support.
Transition Signal: Dunn, Montour, and Beniers remain the main puck-advancers.
Blue Line Signal: The defense is mobile enough, though it may spend too much time protecting inexperienced goaltending.
Goalie Stability Signal: This is the biggest danger area for Seattle by far.
X-Factor Signal: Seattle needs a fast-start chaos game before Los Angeles settles in.
Los Angeles Kings – Projected lineup
Forwards
Artemi Panarin – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe
Trevor Moore – Quinton Byfield – Alex Laferriere
Joel Armia – Scott Laughton – Jared Wright
Mathieu Joseph – Samuel Helenius – Taylor Ward
Defense
Mikey Anderson – Drew Doughty
Joel Edmundson – Brandt Clarke
Brian Dumoulin – Cody Ceci
Goalies
Anton Forsberg
Darcy Kuemper
Scratched: Jacob Moverare
Injured: Jeff Malott, Alex Turcotte, Andrei Kuzmenko
IHM Lineup Note:
Los Angeles looks like the more mature and complete team here. With Kopitar, Panarin, Kempe, Byfield, Doughty, and Kuemper or Forsberg behind a structured blue line, the Kings should be able to dictate terms.
IHM Tactical Signals:
Forecheck Signal: The Kings can pressure with better support discipline and stronger wall play.
Transition Signal: Panarin and Kempe raise the offensive creativity ceiling sharply.
Blue Line Signal: Doughty and Anderson anchor the game well against weaker-depth attacks.
Goalie Stability Signal: Los Angeles has the far more comfortable crease setup.
X-Factor Signal: The Kings should attack Seattle’s emergency-level goalie situation early and often.
IHM Match Pressure Index:
Offensive Pressure: Kings edge
Transition Edge: Kings slight edge
Defensive Stability: Kings edge
Goaltending Edge: Kings clear edge
Game Control Projection: Los Angeles projects to control this matchup through cleaner structure, better crease security, and stronger top-end execution, while Seattle needs unusual finishing efficiency and chaos to shift the game state.
Q&A: Projected Lineups and Starting Goalies
What are NHL projected lineups?
Projected lineups are expected forward lines, defense pairs, and goalies based on team reports, skates, and coaching decisions before official warmup confirmation.
How accurate are projected lineups?
They are usually close to final, but late scratches, maintenance decisions, and game-time calls can still change the setup.
Why do line combinations matter?
They show chemistry, matchup intentions, puck-distribution roles, and how a coach wants to control pace and pressure.
Why are starting goalies so important?
Goalies directly change shot quality management, rebound control, confidence level, and overall game script.
What does a healthy scratch mean?
It means a player is available to play but is left out of the lineup by coaching choice.
Why do teams change lines late in the day?
Because of injuries, illness, maintenance, tactical matchup changes, or coaches reacting to the opponent.
What is the value of checking scratches and injuries?
They reveal missing structure pieces, role changes, and where a team may become weaker in transition, defense, or finishing.
How should fans read a projected lineup correctly?
Look at center depth, top-four defense quality, goalie situation, and whether the lineup still supports the team’s normal identity.
Can a lineup reveal tactical intent?
Yes. Coaches often show whether they want more pace, more forecheck, more defensive safety, or more matchup control.
Why does IHM add tactical notes to projected lineups?
Because raw line combinations only show names. Tactical notes explain how those names may actually function together in the game.
When are final lineups usually confirmed?
Most often during warmups or shortly before puck drop.
What should readers watch for after publication?
Late goalie confirmations, game-time decisions, and last-minute lineup switches that can change the tactical balance of a matchup.