Tag: NHL Lineup News

NHL Projected Lineups Apr 14 2026 | IHM

NHL Projected Lineups Apr 14 2026 | IHM

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.

NHL SHORT ICE – April 13, 2026
NHL Projected Lineups - April 5, 2026

NHL Projected Lineups - April 5, 2026

NHL Projected Lineups - Game Day April 5, 2026

Date: April 4, 2026
By IceHockeyMan Newsroom

Update: Additional matchups will be added as projected lineups are updated throughout the day.

Vancouver Canucks vs Utah Mammoth

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Canucks - Projected lineup

Forwards
Drew O’Connor - Marco Rossi - Brock Boeser
Liam Ohgren - Elias Pettersson - Linus Karlsson
Max Sasson - Teddy Blueger - Jake DeBrusk
Curtis Douglas - Ty Mueller - Aatu Raty

Defense
Zeev Buium - Filip Hronek
Marcus Pettersson - Tom Willander
Elias Pettersson - Pierre-Olivier Joseph

Goalies
Kevin Lankinen
Nikita Tolopilo

Scratched
Victor Mancini
Nils Hoglander

Injured
Evander Kane (undisclosed)
Filip Chytil (facial fracture)
Thatcher Demko (hip surgery)
Derek Forbort (undisclosed)

IHM Lineup Note:
Vancouver still has enough forward skill through Pettersson, Rossi, Boeser and DeBrusk to produce offense, but the lineup remains fragile in overall structure because of the injuries and constant personnel movement. The Canucks need cleaner puck support than usual here.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Canucks can play with pace but not always with stability.
Forecheck Signal: More opportunistic than punishing.
Blue Line Signal: Hronek remains the main stabilizer.
Goalie Stability Signal: Slight edge to Mammoth if Vancouver gets stretched.
X-Factor Signal: Rossi’s center play matters because Vancouver needs control through the middle.

Mammoth - Projected lineup

Forwards
Clayton Keller - Nick Schmaltz - Lawson Crouse
Kailer Yamamoto - Logan Cooley - Dylan Guenther
JJ Peterka - Michael Carcone - Kevin Rooney
Alexander Kerfoot - Kevin Stenlund - Brandon Tanev

Defense
Mikhail Sergachev - MacKenzie Weegar
Nate Schmidt - John Marino
Ian Cole - Sean Durzi

Goalies
Karel Vejmelka
Vitek Vanecek

Scratched
Nick DeSimone

Injured
Barrett Hayton (upper body)
Jack McBain (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Utah still looks faster and cleaner overall than Vancouver, especially through Keller, Cooley, Peterka and Sergachev. Even with key absences, this group still has a strong transition profile and a more stable defensive base.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Mammoth.
Forecheck Signal: Mammoth can pressure with more purpose and speed.
Blue Line Signal: Mammoth.
Goalie Stability Signal: Mammoth slight edge.
X-Factor Signal: Cooley’s pace against Vancouver’s thinner structure is a major swing point.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Mammoth

Transition Edge
Mammoth

Defensive Stability
Mammoth

Goaltending Edge
Mammoth slight edge

Game Control Projection
Vancouver has enough skill to generate chances, but Utah owns the cleaner all-zone setup and should control more of the game if they keep the Canucks from turning it into a broken-structure rush exchange.

Los Angeles Kings vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

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
Brian Dumoulin - Drew Doughty
Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke
Mikey Anderson - Cody Ceci

Goalies
Anton Forsberg
Darcy Kuemper

Scratched
Jeff Malott
Jacob Moverare

Injured
Alex Turcotte (undisclosed)
Andrei Kuzmenko (meniscus)

IHM Lineup Note:
Los Angeles still has a strong veteran spine with Kopitar, Doughty, Panarin and Kempe giving the Kings a reliable possession and matchup game. Their comfort zone is still a more controlled structure battle than a speed shootout.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Kings prefer a measured pace.
Forecheck Signal: Strong support pressure rather than reckless attack.
Blue Line Signal: Kings.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even.
X-Factor Signal: Panarin’s puck control adds a higher offensive ceiling than the standard Kings look.

Maple Leafs - Projected lineup

Forwards
Easton Cowan - John Tavares - William Nylander
Dakota Joshua - Max Domi - Nicholas Robertson
Matthew Knies - Bo Groulx - Matias Maccelli
Michael Pezzetta - Jacob Quillan - Steven Lorentz

Defense
Morgan Rielly - Philippe Myers
Jake McCabe - Brandon Carlo
Simon Benoit - Troy Stecher

Goalies
Joseph Woll
Anthony Stolarz

Scratched
Calle Jarnkrok

Injured
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (lower body)
Auston Matthews (MCL)
Chris Tanev (groin)

IHM Lineup Note:
Toronto still carries enough top-line shot creation through Nylander and Tavares, but without Matthews and Tanev the lineup loses both center gravity and defensive stability. The Leafs need their skilled wingers to tilt the game early.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Leafs want more pace than Los Angeles.
Forecheck Signal: More skill-based than heavy.
Blue Line Signal: Kings edge.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even.
X-Factor Signal: Nylander’s ability to create against the Kings’ structured layers is central here.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Leafs slight edge

Transition Edge
Leafs

Defensive Stability
Kings

Goaltending Edge
Even

Game Control Projection
Toronto has the better route to a faster offensive game, but Los Angeles still looks more comfortable in a disciplined, possession-first matchup where structure and patience decide the result.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Hurricanes - Projected lineup

Forwards
Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
William Carrier - Mark Jankowski - Eric Robinson

Defense
Jaccob Slavin - Jalen Chatfield
K’Andre Miller - Sean Walker
Shayne Gostisbehere - Alexander Nikishin

Goalies
Brandon Bussi
Frederik Andersen

Scratched
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Nicolas Deslauriers
Mike Reilly

Injured
Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Carolina remains one of the league’s most complete structure-and-pressure teams. The Hurricanes still have enough speed, forecheck detail and blue-line mobility to overwhelm teams that cannot exit cleanly.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Hurricanes.
Forecheck Signal: Hurricanes.
Blue Line Signal: Hurricanes.
Goalie Stability Signal: Slightly reduced with Bussi starting, but still strong team support.
X-Factor Signal: Aho and Jarvis dictating repeated offensive-zone pressure is the core matchup issue for New York.

Islanders - Projected lineup

Forwards
Anders Lee - Bo Horvat - Emil Heineman
Calum Ritchie - Brayden Schenn - Mathew Barzal
Ondrej Palat - Jean-Gabriel Pageau - Simon Holmstrom
Kyle MacLean - Casey Cizikas - Marc Gatcomb

Defense
Matthew Schaefer - Ryan Pulock
Adam Pelech - Carson Soucy
Scott Mayfield - Adam Boqvist

Goalies
David Rittich
Ilya Sorokin

Scratched
Anthony Duclair
Adam Boqvist
Isaiah George

Injured
Tony DeAngelo (lower body)
Kyle Palmieri (ACL)
Alexander Romanov (upper body)
Semyon Varlamov (knee)

IHM Lineup Note:
The Islanders still want this game to be slower, heavier and more territorial than Carolina prefers. Their best chance is to make the Hurricanes work through layers and let the goaltending absorb early pressure.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Islanders want to slow it down.
Forecheck Signal: More conservative than Carolina’s.
Blue Line Signal: Hurricanes edge.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even if Sorokin starts, slightly less so with Rittich.
X-Factor Signal: Barzal is still the one Islander who can flip the pace on his own.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Hurricanes

Transition Edge
Hurricanes

Defensive Stability
Hurricanes

Goaltending Edge
Even

Game Control Projection
New York can keep the game tighter if the goaltending holds, but Carolina still owns the stronger forecheck identity, cleaner blue-line movement and much clearer path to territorial control.

Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Capitals - Projected lineup

Forwards
Aliaksei Protas - Dylan Strome - Alex Ovechkin
Connor McMichael - Pierre-Luc Dubois - Tom Wilson
Anthony Beauvillier - Justin Sourdif - Ryan Leonard
Brandon Duhaime - Hendrix Lapierre - Ethen Frank

Defense
Martin Fehervary - Rasmus Sandin
Jakub Chychrun - Trevor van Riemsdyk
Cole Hutson - Matt Roy

Goalies
Logan Thompson
Charlie Lindgren

Scratched
Ivan Miroshnichenko
David Kampf
Declan Chisholm
Dylan McIlrath
Timothy Liljegren

Injured
None

IHM Lineup Note:
Washington gets a useful lift with Protas and Frank back in the mix. The Capitals still have a strong veteran identity through Ovechkin, Wilson, Dubois, Strome and Chychrun, and they remain difficult to handle when the game gets more direct.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Capitals can play medium pace with strong direct pressure.
Forecheck Signal: Capitals through Wilson, Duhaime and the middle-six support game.
Blue Line Signal: Capitals slight edge in structure.
Goalie Stability Signal: Capitals.
X-Factor Signal: Ovechkin and Chychrun not skating at morning work is not expected to matter, but it is worth monitoring close to puck drop.

Sabres - Projected lineup

Forwards
Peyton Krebs - Tage Thompson - Josh Doan
Jason Zucker - Josh Norris - Alex Tuch
Zach Benson - Ryan McLeod - Jack Quinn
Jordan Greenway - Tyson Kozak - Beck Malenstyn

Defense
Mattias Samuelsson - Rasmus Dahlin
Bowen Byram - Owen Power
Logan Stanley - Zach Metsa

Goalies
Alex Lyon
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Scratched
Josh Dunne
Michael Kesseling
Conor Timmins
Luke Schenn
Tanner Pearson
Colten Ellis

Injured
Noah Ostlund (upper body)
Jiri Kulich (blood clot)
Justin Danforth (lower body)
Sam Carrick (arm)

IHM Lineup Note:
Buffalo still has enough scoring spread through Thompson, Norris, Tuch, Zucker, Quinn and Dahlin to push Washington if the Sabres can keep the game fast and not let the Capitals settle into a controlled forecheck rhythm.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Sabres.
Forecheck Signal: More aggressive when they get the game moving.
Blue Line Signal: Sabres have offensive upside through Dahlin and Byram.
Goalie Stability Signal: Capitals.
X-Factor Signal: Thompson’s finishing is still the most explosive shot threat in the matchup.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Even

Transition Edge
Sabres

Defensive Stability
Capitals

Goaltending Edge
Capitals

Game Control Projection
Buffalo has the better route to a quicker offensive game, but Washington still carries the more reliable overall shape and should be more comfortable if the matchup becomes heavier and more territorial.

New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Devils - Projected lineup

Forwards
Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Dawson Mercer
Jesper Bratt - Jack Hughes - Connor Brown
Lenni Hameenaho - Cody Glass - Nick Bjugstad
Paul Cotter - Marc McLaughlin - Brian Halonen

Defense
Jonas Siegenthaler - Dougie Hamilton
Luke Hughes - Johnathan Kovacevic
Brenden Dillon - Simon Nemec

Goalies
Jake Allen
Jacob Markstrom

Scratched
Dennis Cholowski
Evgenii Dadonov
Maksim Tsyplakov

Injured
Arseny Gritsyuk (upper body)
Stefan Noesen (knee)
Zack MacEwen (ACL)
Brett Pesce (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
New Jersey still has its main attacking engine intact through Hughes, Bratt, Meier and Hamilton, but the depth lines are more makeshift than usual. The Devils need their top six to drive enough pace to keep Montreal from settling into its defensive shell.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Devils.
Forecheck Signal: Devils can pressure more aggressively than Montreal.
Blue Line Signal: Devils slight edge on offensive upside.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even.
X-Factor Signal: McLaughlin and Halonen entering the lineup creates uncertainty around fourth-line rhythm and matchup usage.

Canadiens - Projected lineup

Forwards
Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkovsky
Alex Newhook - Oliver Kapanen - Ivan Demidov
Zachary Bolduc - Jake Evans - Josh Anderson
Joe Veleno - Phillip Danault - Brendan Gallagher

Defense
Mike Matheson - Noah Dobson
Jayden Struble - Lane Hutson
Kaiden Guhle - Arber Xhekaj

Goalies
Jakub Dobes
Jacob Fowler

Scratched
Samuel Montembeault
Adam Engstrom
Patrik Laine

Injured
Kirby Dach (upper body)
Alexandre Texier (lower body)
Alexander Carrier (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Montreal continues to bring more top-six creativity than many teams expect, especially with Suzuki, Caufield, Demidov and Hutson all influencing puck movement. The Canadiens can trouble New Jersey if they stay connected defensively.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Canadiens can play at a quick pace when the top six gets touches.
Forecheck Signal: More active than physical.
Blue Line Signal: Canadiens have real puck-moving quality through Matheson, Dobson and Hutson.
Goalie Stability Signal: Slight edge Devils if Allen starts, otherwise even.
X-Factor Signal: Demidov’s offensive reads continue to give Montreal a live high-skill swing factor.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Devils slight edge

Transition Edge
Devils

Defensive Stability
Even

Goaltending Edge
Even

Game Control Projection
New Jersey has the cleaner top-end route to offense, but Montreal has enough puck-moving defense and skilled forwards to make this far less comfortable than a standard Devils home game.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Blue Jackets - Projected lineup

Forwards
Mason Marchment - Adam Fantilli - Kirill Marchenko
Boone Jenner - Sean Monahan - Conor Garland
Cole Sillinger - Charlie Coyle - Danton Heinen
Zach Aston-Reese - Luca Del Bel Belluz - Miles Wood

Defense
Zach Werenski - Denton Mateychuk
Ivan Provorov - Dante Fabbro
Jake Christiansen - Erik Gudbranson

Goalies
Jet Greaves
Elvis Merzlikins

Scratched
Kent Johnson
Egor Zamula

Injured
Damon Severson (shoulder surgery)
Dmitri Voronkov (hand)
Mathieu Olivier (upper body)
Isac Lundestrom (undisclosed)

IHM Lineup Note:
Columbus gets a useful bump if Marchment returns, because his size and puck detail help the top six balance out better. Werenski still carries the entire blue-line identity of the team in games like this.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Blue Jackets can play with enough pace to test Winnipeg’s depth.
Forecheck Signal: More dangerous with Marchment back in.
Blue Line Signal: Jets overall edge, but Werenski remains the most dynamic single defenseman in the matchup.
Goalie Stability Signal: Jets.
X-Factor Signal: Kent Johnson being scratched removes one layer of skill from Columbus’ lower lineup.

Jets - Projected lineup

Forwards
Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Alex Iafallo
Cole Perfetti - Adam Lowry - Gabriel Vilardi
Cole Koepke - Jonathan Toews - Brad Lambert
Isak Rosen - Morgan Barron - Parker Ford

Defense
Josh Morrissey - Dylan DeMelo
Dylan Samberg - Neal Pionk
Haydn Fleury - Jacob Bryson

Goalies
Connor Hellebuyck
Eric Comrie

Scratched
Ville Heinola

Injured
Colin Miller (knee)
Vladislav Namestnikov (lower body)
Nino Niederreiter (knee)
Gustav Nyqvist (undisclosed)
Elias Salomonsson (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Winnipeg still looks like the more stable and complete team, largely because Hellebuyck, Morrissey, Scheifele and Lowry give them structure in all key areas. The Jets should feel comfortable if the game stays layered and territorial.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Jets can play faster than they often get credit for, but prefer structure.
Forecheck Signal: Disciplined and efficient.
Blue Line Signal: Jets.
Goalie Stability Signal: Jets.
X-Factor Signal: Barron’s return gives Winnipeg more center depth and improves the lower-half balance.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Jets slight edge

Transition Edge
Even

Defensive Stability
Jets

Goaltending Edge
Jets

Game Control Projection
Columbus has enough skill to create stretches of pressure, but Winnipeg still owns the more reliable structural shape and the much stronger overall safety net in goal.

Seattle Kraken vs Chicago Blackhawks

Faceoff: 04:00 CET

Kraken - Projected lineup

Forwards
Jared McCann - Matty Beniers - Jordan Eberle
Bobby McMann - Chandler Stephenson - Kaapo Kakko
Jaden Schwartz - Berkly Catton - Eeli Tolvanen
Ben Meyers - Oscar Fisker Molgaard - Frederick Gaudreau

Defense
Vince Dunn - Adam Larsson
Ryker Evans - Brandon Montour
Ryan Lindgren - Jamie Oleksiak

Goalies
Philipp Grubauer
Joey Daccord

Scratched
Cale Fleury
Josh Mahura
Jacob Melanson
Matt Murray
Ryan Winterton

Injured
Shane Wright (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Seattle still has enough forward pace and mobile defense to feel good in this matchup, especially if McCann, Beniers and Dunn are moving the puck cleanly. This is a game where their balance should matter.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Kraken.
Forecheck Signal: More structured and repeatable than Chicago’s.
Blue Line Signal: Kraken.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even.
X-Factor Signal: Schwartz’s return helps the top nine play with better offensive weight.

Blackhawks - Projected lineup

Forwards
Ryan Greene - Connor Bedard - Nick Lardis
Tyler Bertuzzi - Anton Frondell - Ilya Mikheyev
Ryan Donato - Frank Nazar - Andre Burakovsky
Teuvo Teravainen - Sacha Boisvert - Landon Slaggert

Defense
Alex Vlasic - Louis Crevier
Wyatt Kaiser - Sam Rinzel
Kevin Korchinski - Ethan Del Mastro

Goalies
Arvid Soderblom
Spencer Knight

Scratched
Sam Lafferty
Dominic Toninato

Injured
Matt Grzelcyk (undisclosed)
Artyom Levshunov (hand)
Andrew Mangiapane (undisclosed)
Oliver Moore (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Chicago still has enough pure skill through Bedard, Nazar, Donato and Burakovsky to remain dangerous in spurts, but the defensive side of the matchup remains the bigger concern. They need the game to stay fast and loose.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Blackhawks want more speed than structure.
Forecheck Signal: Aggressive in bursts but less consistent.
Blue Line Signal: Kraken edge.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even.
X-Factor Signal: Bedard remains the one player most capable of overriding structure with individual creation.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Kraken slight edge

Transition Edge
Kraken

Defensive Stability
Kraken

Goaltending Edge
Even

Game Control Projection
Chicago has enough talent to manufacture chances, but Seattle owns the more balanced lineup and the cleaner path if the game is played with any real structure.

San Jose Sharks vs Nashville Predators

Faceoff: 04:00 CET

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
Shakir Mukhamadullin - Mario Ferraro
Sam Dickinson - Nick Leddy

Goalies
Yaroslav Askarov
Alex Nedeljkovic

Scratched
Pavol Regenda
Philipp Kurashev
John Klingberg
Ty Dellandrea

Injured
Ryan Reaves (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
San Jose keeps the same group after beating Toronto, which makes sense because the young skill core finally had the puck enough to matter. Celebrini, Smith, Eklund, Misa and Toffoli still give the Sharks real offensive life.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Sharks can play fast if they dictate touches.
Forecheck Signal: More active than heavy.
Blue Line Signal: Predators slight edge overall.
Goalie Stability Signal: Even.
X-Factor Signal: Askarov starting against Nashville gives the matchup an extra layer of emotion and volatility.

Predators - Projected lineup

Forwards
Zachary L’Heureux - Ryan O’Reilly - Steven Stamkos
Filip Forsberg - Matthew Wood - Jonathan Marchessault
Tyson Jost - Erik Haula - Luke Evangelista
Reid Schaefer - Fedor Svechkov - Joakim Kemell

Defense
Brady Skjei - Roman Josi
Nicolas Hague - Nick Perbix
Adam Wilsby - Justin Barron

Goalies
Juuse Saros
Justus Annunen

Scratched
Ryan Ufko
Ozzy Wiesblatt

Injured
None

IHM Lineup Note:
Nashville still brings more veteran scoring balance and blue-line control than San Jose, especially with Josi, Forsberg, Stamkos and Marchessault all available. The Predators should like this matchup if they keep it from becoming a pure rush game.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Predators prefer medium pace with structure.
Forecheck Signal: Controlled but effective.
Blue Line Signal: Predators.
Goalie Stability Signal: Predators with Saros.
X-Factor Signal: Josi’s ability to manage the puck should be decisive if San Jose gets loose.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Predators slight edge

Transition Edge
Sharks slight edge

Defensive Stability
Predators

Goaltending Edge
Predators

Game Control Projection
San Jose can create moments if the pace rises, but Nashville still owns the better veteran structure and the safer path through Josi and Saros if the game settles into a more tactical flow.

Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights

Faceoff: 04:00 CET

Oilers - Projected lineup

Forwards
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Connor McDavid - Matthew Savoie
Vasily Podkolzin - Jason Dickinson - Kasperi Kapanen
Trent Frederic - Josh Samanski - Jack Roslovic
Max Jones - Adam Henrique - Curtis Lazar

Defense
Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse - Connor Murphy
Jake Walman - Ty Emberson

Goalies
Connor Ingram
Tristan Jarry

Scratched
Spencer Stastney

Injured
Colton Dach (undisclosed)
Leon Draisaitl (lower body)
Zach Hyman (undisclosed)
Mattias Janmark (shoulder)

IHM Lineup Note:
Edmonton still has the most explosive player in the matchup in McDavid, but without Draisaitl and Hyman the overall attack is thinner than usual. The Oilers need Bouchard, Ekholm and Nugent-Hopkins to support the stars more directly here.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Oilers want pace and open ice.
Forecheck Signal: More dangerous off speed than sustained cycling.
Blue Line Signal: Even.
Goalie Stability Signal: Golden Knights slight edge.
X-Factor Signal: McDavid can still bend the whole game around his speed even with the missing support.

Golden Knights - Projected lineup

Forwards
Brett Howden - Jack Eichel - Pavel Dorofeyev
Ivan Barbashev - Mitch Marner - Mark Stone
Reilly Smith - Tomas Hertl - Colton Sissons
Cole Smith - Nic Dowd - Keegan Kolesar

Defense
Brayden McNabb - Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin - Rasmus Andersson
Jeremy Lauzon - Kaedan Korczak

Goalies
Carter Hart
Adin Hill

Scratched
Ben Hutton
Brandon Saad
Akira Schmid

Injured
Alexander Holtz (upper body)
William Karlsson (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Vegas still has one of the stronger balanced forward groups in the West, and the addition of Marner to Stone, Eichel and Hertl makes the puck-control profile extremely dangerous. This is still a very complete team even with a few absences.

IHM Tactical Signals:
Pace Signal: Golden Knights can match speed but prefer controlled offense.
Forecheck Signal: Strong layered pressure and retrieval detail.
Blue Line Signal: Golden Knights slight edge overall.
Goalie Stability Signal: Golden Knights slight edge.
X-Factor Signal: Marner and Stone create a different possession look than Edmonton is used to facing.

IHM Match Pressure Index

Offensive Pressure
Golden Knights slight edge

Transition Edge
Oilers

Defensive Stability
Golden Knights

Goaltending Edge
Golden Knights

Game Control Projection
Edmonton has the better route to an open-ice game through McDavid, but Vegas still carries the deeper, more stable full-lineup shape and should be more comfortable if the game becomes more structured.

Q&A: Projected Lineups and Starting Goalies

Q1: What is the difference between a projected lineup and the final lineup card?

A projected lineup is the best available estimate based on practices, media reports, travel notes and coach comments. The final lineup card can still change because of warmup decisions, illness updates or late scratches.

Q2: Why is lineup order important when reading hockey analysis?

Line order shows more than talent hierarchy. It reveals who is expected to drive offense, which players are trusted in matchup minutes and where coaches are concentrating scoring pressure.

Q3: What should readers check first in a lineup post?

Start with the top center, confirmed goalie and the first special-teams look. Those areas usually show the team’s tactical identity fastest.

Q4: Why can one missing defenseman change an entire game?

A single blue-line absence can affect zone exits, retrieval speed, gap control, penalty killing and offensive support. The effect often spreads through the entire structure.

Q5: How should readers interpret a game-time decision?

It usually means the player is close enough to matter to the tactical setup but not safe enough to treat as fully available until warmups confirm it.

Q6: What do IHM Tactical Signals add that raw line combinations do not?

IHM Tactical Signals translate names into game logic by identifying likely pace control, forecheck identity, blue-line leverage, goalie stability and key swing points.

Q7: What does IHM Match Pressure Index do?

It condenses the matchup into a direct read on offensive burden, transition edge, defensive stability, goaltending and likely control direction.

Q8: Why does center depth matter so much?

Centers drive faceoffs, low-zone support, transition routes and matchup defense. When center depth drops, the whole team shape becomes less stable.

Q9: Why are power-play units so important in lineup analysis?

Because special teams often decide close NHL games. Power-play personnel also reveal who the coaching staff trusts most in high-leverage offensive situations.

Q10: What usually points to a lower-event game?

Reliable goaltending, veteran centers, steady top-pair defense and conservative team structure usually indicate a tighter, more territorial matchup.

Q11: Why does home ice still matter?

The home coach gets last change, which helps create favorable matchups, protect weaker combinations and control deployment in key situations.

Q12: Can projected lineups still change after this post is published?

Yes. Treat projected lineups as the latest reliable snapshot, not the final card. Always recheck closer to puck drop for confirmed changes and late updates.

Top NHL Prospect From Every Team (Full Breakdown 2026) | IceHockeyMan
NHL Projected Lineups - Game Day Feb 5, 2026 - IHM News

NHL Projected Lineups - Game Day Feb 5, 2026 – IHM News

Date: 04 February
By IceHockeyMan Newsroom

Update: Additional matchups will be added as projected lineups are updated throughout the day.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Blue Jackets - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Mason Marchment - Adam Fantilli - Kirill Marchenko
  • Dimitri Voronkov - Sean Monahan - Kent Johnson
  • Cole Sillinger - Charlie Coyle - Mathieu Olivier
  • Isac Lundestrom - Boone Jenner - Miles Wood

Defense

  • Zach Werenski - Damon Severson
  • Ivan Provorov - Denton Mateychuk
  • Erik Gudbranson - Dante Fabbro

Goalies

  • Jet Greaves
  • Elvis Merzlikins

Scratched

  • Jake Christiansen
  • Egor Zamula
  • Danton Heinen

Injured

  • Brendan Smith (knee surgery)

IHM Lineup Note:
With Marchenko back, Columbus regains a direct shooting threat that complements Fantilli’s transition speed. Werenski continues to drive offense from the back end, while Fabbro stabilizes defensive zone exits under forecheck pressure.

Blackhawks - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Frank Nazar - Connor Bedard - Tyler Bertuzzi
  • Teuvo Teravainen - Oliver Moore - Andre Burakovsky
  • Ryan Donato - Jason Dickinson - Ilya Mikheyev
  • Colton Dach - Nick Foligno - Ryan Greene

Defense

  • Alex Vlasic - Louis Crevier
  • Wyatt Kaiser - Sam Rinzel
  • Matt Grzelcyk - Connor Murphy

Goalies

  • Spencer Knight
  • Arvid Soderblom

Scratched

  • Sam Lafferty
  • Artyom Levshunov
  • Landon Slaggert

Injured

  • None

IHM Lineup Note:
Chicago leans heavily on Bedard’s line for controlled zone entries and offensive creativity, while the middle six is built for puck retrieval and secondary pressure. The blue line prioritizes simple exits and defensive spacing rather than aggressive activation.

Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Panthers - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Eetu Luostarinen - Anton Lundell - Sam Reinhart
  • Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - Matthew Tkachuk
  • Sandis Vilmanis - Evan Rodrigues - A.J. Greer
  • Luke Kunin - Cole Schwindt - Mackie Samoskevich

Defense

  • Gustav Forsling - Aaron Ekblad
  • Niko Mikkola - Uvis Balinskis
  • Tobias Bjornfot - Jeff Petry

Goalies

  • Sergei Bobrovsky
  • Daniil Tarasov

Scratched

  • Donovan Sebrango
  • Jesper Boqvist

Injured

  • Brad Marchand (lower body)
  • Seth Jones (upper body)
  • Aleksander Barkov (knee)
  • Tomas Nosek (knee)
  • Jonah Gadjovich (upper body)
  • Dmitry Kulikov (shoulder)

IHM Lineup Note:
Florida still plays a pressure-heavy game built on forecheck intensity and net-front presence. Without Barkov, Lundell assumes more defensive responsibility, while Tkachuk and Bennett drive chaos and physical engagement in high-traffic areas.

Bruins - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Morgan Geekie - Marat Khusnutdinov - David Pastrnak
  • Casey Mittelstadt - Fraser Minten - Viktor Arvidsson
  • Tanner Jeannot - Matthew Poitras - Mark Kastelic
  • Michael Eyssimont - Sean Kuraly - Alex Steeves

Defense

  • Jonathan Aspirot - Charlie McAvoy
  • Nikita Zadorov - Andrew Peeke
  • Hampus Lindholm - Mason Lohrei

Goalies

  • Joonas Korpisalo
  • Jeremy Swayman

Scratched

  • Henri Jokiharju
  • Jordan Harris

Injured

  • Elias Lindholm (upper body)
  • Pavel Zacha (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Boston’s lineup shifts toward a heavier puck-protection style without Lindholm and Zacha. Pastrnak remains the primary scoring driver, while McAvoy anchors puck movement and defensive structure against Florida’s aggressive forecheck.

Winnipeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens

Faceoff: 01:00 CET

Jets - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Alex Iafallo
  • Cole Perfetti - Adam Lowry - Gabriel Vilardi
  • Nino Niederreiter - Jonathan Toews - Vladislav Namestnikov
  • Cole Koepke - Morgan Barron - Gustav Nyquist

Defense

  • Josh Morrissey - Dylan DeMelo
  • Dylan Samberg - Elias Salomonsson
  • Logan Stanley - Luke Schenn

Goalies

  • Connor Hellebuyck
  • Eric Comrie

Scratched

  • Danil Zhilkin
  • Isaak Phillips
  • Tanner Pearson

Injured

  • Haydn Fleury (bruised back)
  • Colin Miller (knee)
  • Neal Pionk (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Winnipeg maintains a balanced structure built around Morrissey’s puck-moving ability and Hellebuyck’s stability in goal. The forward group emphasizes layered attacks and strong defensive tracking through the neutral zone.

Canadiens - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Kirby Dach
  • Juraj Slafkovsky - Oliver Kapanen - Ivan Demidov
  • Joe Veleno - Jake Evans - Zachary Bolduc
  • Josh Anderson - Phillip Danault - Brendan Gallagher

Defense

  • Mike Matheson - Kaiden Guhle
  • Lane Hutson - Noah Dobson
  • Jayden Struble - Alexandre Carrier

Goalies

  • Samuel Montembeault
  • Jakub Dobes

Scratched

  • Arber Xhekaj

Injured

  • Patrik Laine (lower body)
  • Alex Newhook (broken ankle)
  • Alexandre Texier (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Montreal blends skill and structure, with Suzuki’s line controlling pace through possession. Hutson-Dobson adds offensive creativity from the blue line, while the bottom six focuses on defensive zone stability and forecheck support.

Nashville Predators vs Minnesota Wild

Faceoff: 02:00 CET

Predators - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Steven Stamkos - Ryan O’Reilly - Luke Evangelista
  • Filip Forsberg - Erik Haula - Jonathan Marchessault
  • Cole Smith - Michael McCarron - Michael Bunting
  • Reid Schaefer - Tyson Jost - Matthew Wood

Defense

  • Brady Skjei - Roman Josi
  • Adam Wilsby - Nick Perbix
  • Nick Blankenburg - Justin Barron

Goalies

  • Juuse Saros
  • Justus Annunen

Scratched

  • Ozzy Wiesblatt

Injured

  • Nicolas Hague (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Nashville relies on Josi to control tempo from the back end, while Stamkos and Forsberg remain the primary shooting threats. The lineup favors quick puck movement over sustained physical play.

Wild - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Kirill Kaprizov - Ryan Hartman - Mats Zuccarello
  • Marcus Johansson - Joel Eriksson Ek - Matt Boldy
  • Yakov Trenin - Danila Yurov - Vladimir Tarasenko
  • Vinnie Hinostroza - Nico Sturm - Tyler Pitlick

Defense

  • Quinn Hughes - Brock Faber
  • Jacob Middleton - Jared Spurgeon
  • Daemon Hunt - Zach Bogosian

Goalies

  • Filip Gustavsson
  • Cal Petersen

Scratched

  • David Jiricek
  • Matt Kiersted

Injured

  • Jonas Brodin (lower body)
  • Jesper Wallstedt (illness)
  • Marcus Foligno (illness)

IHM Lineup Note:
Minnesota’s top six is built around puck control and east-west movement, with Kaprizov driving offensive creativity. Hughes-Faber offers elite transition play, while Eriksson Ek’s line anchors defensive matchups.

Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks

Faceoff: 03:00 CET

Avalanche - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Valeri Nichushkin
  • Ross Colton - Brock Nelson - Victor Olofsson
  • Parker Kelly - Jack Drury - Joel Kiviranta
  • Taylor Makar - Zakhar Bardakov - Gavin Brindley

Defense

  • Devon Toews - Cale Makar
  • Josh Manson - Brent Burns
  • Samuel Girard - Sam Malinski

Goalies

  • Mackenzie Blackwood
  • Scott Wedgewood

Scratched

  • None

Injured

  • Gabriel Landeskog (upper body)
  • Logan O’Connor (hip surgery)
  • Martin Necas (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Colorado continues to play at elite pace through MacKinnon-driven transitions. The Toews-Makar pairing controls exits and entries, while depth lines focus on sustained forecheck pressure and quick puck recovery.

Sharks - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Will Smith - Macklin Celebrini - Kiefer Sherwood
  • William Eklund - Alexander Wennberg - Tyler Toffoli
  • Philipp Kurashev - Michael Misa - Collin Graf
  • Barclay Goodrow - Zack Ostapchuk - Adam Gaudette

Defense

  • Mario Ferraro - Timothy Liljegren
  • Dmitry Orlov - John Klingberg
  • Shakir Mukhamadullin - Vincent Desharnais

Goalies

  • Yaroslav Askarov
  • Alex Nedeljkovic

Scratched

  • Sam Dickinson
  • Pavol Regenda
  • Jeff Skinner

Injured

  • Ty Dellandrea (lower body)
  • Ryan Reaves (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
San Jose leans into youth-driven tempo with Smith and Celebrini, but defensive zone coverage remains a concern. The Orlov-Klingberg pair adds puck-moving ability, though gap control against Colorado speed will be tested.

Utah Mammoth vs Detroit Red Wings

Faceoff: 03:00 CET

Mammoth - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Clayton Keller - Nick Schmaltz - Lawson Crouse
  • JJ Peterka - Barrett Hayton - Kailer Yamamoto
  • Michael Carcone - Jack McBain - Dylan Guenther
  • Brandon Tanev - Kevin Stenlund - Liam O’Brien

Defense

  • Mikhail Sergachev - Sean Durzi
  • Nate Schmidt - John Marino
  • Ian Cole - Nick DeSimone

Goalies

  • Karel Vejmelka
  • Vitek Vanecek

Scratched

  • Olli Maatta

Injured

  • Logan Cooley (lower body)
  • Alexander Kerfoot (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Utah relies on speed through the neutral zone and layered forecheck pressure. Sergachev-Durzi provides aggressive blue-line activation, but defensive recoveries must stay tight against Detroit’s transition game.

Red Wings - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Marco Kasper - Dylan Larkin - Lucas Raymond
  • Alex DeBrincat - Andrew Copp - Patrick Kane
  • Emmitt Finnie - J.T. Compher - Mason Appleton
  • Elmer Soderblom - Michael Rasmussen - James van Riemsdyk

Defense

  • Albert Johansson - Moritz Seider
  • Ben Chiarot - Jacob Bernard-Docker
  • Travis Hamonic - Axel Sandin-Pellikka

Goalies

  • John Gibson
  • Cam Talbot

Scratched

  • Erik Gustafsson

Injured

  • Simon Edvinsson (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Detroit’s top six balances skill and structure, with Kane operating as a half-wall creator. Seider anchors defensive stability, while controlled breakouts remain key against Utah’s aggressive forecheck.

Dallas Stars vs St. Louis Blues

Faceoff: 03:30 CET

Stars - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Justin Hryckowian - Wyatt Johnston - Mikko Rantanen
  • Jason Robertson - Roope Hintz - Mavrik Bourque
  • Sam Steel - Matt Duchene - Jamie Benn
  • Oskar Back - Radek Faksa - Adam Erne

Defense

  • Esa Lindell - Miro Heiskanen
  • Thomas Harley - Nils Lundkvist
  • Kyle Capobianco - Ilya Lyubushkin

Goalies

  • Jake Oettinger
  • Casey DeSmith

Scratched

  • Nathan Bastian
  • Colin Blackwell
  • Alexander Petrovic

Injured

  • Tyler Seguin (ACL)
  • Lian Bichsel (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Dallas emphasizes structured puck possession and layered offensive entries. Heiskanen dictates tempo from the back end, while Johnston’s line drives matchup advantages at even strength.

Blues - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Brayden Schenn - Dalibor Dvosky - Jimmy Snuggerud
  • Jake Neighbours - Pavel Buchnevich - Jordan Kyrou
  • Jonatan Berggren - Pius Suter - Nick Bjugstad
  • Alexey Toropchenko - Oskar Sundqvist - Mathieu Joseph

Defense

  • Philip Broberg - Colton Parayko
  • Tyler Tucker - Justin Faulk
  • Cam Fowler - Logan Mailloux

Goalies

  • Joel Hofer
  • Jordan Binnington

Scratched

  • Matthew Kessel
  • Robby Fabbri
  • Matt Luff
  • Nathan Walker

Injured

  • Robert Thomas (lower body)
  • Dylan Holloway (high ankle sprain)

IHM Lineup Note:
St. Louis relies on physical puck battles and direct attacks, but missing Thomas limits playmaking through the middle. Defensive coverage will be tested by Dallas’ pace and puck movement.

Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers

Faceoff: 04:00 CET

Flames - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Yegor Sharangovich - Mikael Backlund - Matt Coronato
  • Connor Zary - Nazem Kadri - Joel Farabee
  • Jonathan Huberdeau - Morgan Frost - Matvei Gridin
  • Ryan Lomberg - Martin Pospisil - Adam Klapka

Defense

  • Kevin Bahl - Zach Whitecloud
  • Yan Kuznetsov - Mackenzie Weegar
  • Joel Hanley - Zayne Parekh

Goalies

  • Dustin Wolf
  • Devin Cooley

Scratched

  • Brayden Pachal
  • Hunter Brzustewicz

Injured

  • Jake Bean (undisclosed)
  • Samuel Honzek (upper body)
  • John Beecher (upper body)
  • Blake Coleman (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Calgary leans into physical pressure and straight-line hockey, with Kadri driving offensive zone entries. Defensive cohesion will be critical against Edmonton’s elite transition speed.

Oilers - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Connor McDavid - Zach Hyman
  • Vasily Podkolzin - Leon Draisaitl - Kasperi Kapanen
  • Matt Savoie - Josh Samanski - Jack Roslovic
  • Andrew Mangiapane - Mattias Janmark - Trent Frederic

Defense

  • Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard
  • Darnell Nurse - Jake Walman
  • Spencer Stastney - Ty Emberson

Goalies

  • Tristan Jarry
  • Connor Ingram

Scratched

  • Curtis Lazar
  • Alec Regula

Injured

  • Adam Henrique (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Edmonton’s attack remains driven by McDavid’s speed and Draisaitl’s puck protection. Ekholm-Bouchard continues to dictate breakout efficiency, while depth lines focus on maintaining tempo.

Los Angeles Kings vs Seattle Kraken

Faceoff: 04:00 CET

Kings - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Trevor Moore - Anze Kopitar - Joel Armia
  • Corey Perry - Alex Laferriere - Adrian Kempe
  • Kevin Fiala - Quinton Byfield - Andrei Kuzmenko
  • Jeff Malott - Samuel Helenius - Taylor Ward

Defense

  • Brian Dumoulin - Drew Doughty
  • Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke
  • Jacob Moverare - Cody Ceci

Goalies

  • Darcy Kuemper
  • Anton Forsberg

Scratched

  • Joe Hicketts
  • Warren Foegele

Injured

  • Mikey Anderson (upper body)
  • Alex Turcotte (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Los Angeles plays a structured, layered game built on strong defensive spacing and controlled puck support through the middle. With Anderson out, the Kings may simplify breakout routes and rely more on Doughty to manage exits and offensive tempo.

Kraken - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Jared McCann - Matty Beniers - Jordan Eberle
  • Ryan Winterton - Chandler Stephenson - Eeli Tolvanen
  • Jaden Schwartz - Shane Wright - Kaapo Kakko
  • Tye Kartye - Frederick Gaudreau - Jacob Melanson

Defense

  • Vince Dunn - Adam Larsson
  • Jamie Oleksiak - Brandon Montour
  • Ryker Evans - Ryan Lindgren

Goalies

  • Joey Daccord
  • Philipp Grubauer

Scratched

  • Josh Mahura
  • Cale Fleury
  • Oscar Fisker Molgaard

Injured

  • Berkly Catton (upper body)
  • Matt Murray (lower body)
  • Ben Meyers (lower body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Seattle’s forward group leans into pace and straight-line pressure, with Beniers’ unit driving transition looks and Tolvanen’s line providing shot volume. If the Kraken can win the first forecheck battle, they can disrupt the Kings’ clean zone exits.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks

Faceoff: 04:00 CET

Golden Knights - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Ivan Barbashev - Jack Eichel - Alexander Holtz
  • Pavel Dorofeyev - Mitch Marner - Mark Stone
  • Reilly Smith - Tomas Hertl - Keegan Kolesar
  • Cole Reinhardt - Kai Uchacz - Branden Bowman

Defense

  • Jeremy Lauzon - Shea Theodore
  • Noah Hanifin - Rasmus Andersson
  • Ben Hutton - Kaedan Korczak

Goalies

  • Akira Schmid
  • Adin Hill

Scratched

  • None

Injured

  • Carter Hart (lower body)
  • Brett Howden (lower body)
  • William Karlsson (lower body)
  • Brayden McNabb (upper body)
  • Jonas Rondbjerg (lower body)
  • Brandon Saad (undisclosed)
  • Colton Sissons (upper body)

IHM Lineup Note:
Vegas remains a matchup-driven team that pressures through the neutral zone and attacks off quick recoveries. Holtz on Eichel’s wing adds a pure finishing profile, while Theodore’s activation can tilt shot volume if Vancouver’s coverage collapses low.

Canucks - Projected lineup

Forwards

  • Evander Kane - Elias Pettersson - Drew O’Connor
  • Jake DeBrusk - David Kampf - Linus Karlsson
  • Liam Ohgren - Teddy Blueger - Conor Garland
  • Max Sasson - Aatu Raty - Jonathan Lekkerimaki

Defense

  • Elias Pettersson - Filip Hronek
  • P.O Joseph - Tyler Myers
  • Marcus Pettersson - Tom Willander

Goalies

  • Nikita Tolopilo
  • Kevin Lankinen

Scratched

  • Victor Mancini

Injured

  • Filip Chytil (migraines)
  • Nils Hoglander (lower body)
  • Brock Boeser (concussion protocol)
  • Zeev Buium (facial fracture)
  • Thatcher Demko (hip surgery)
  • Marco Rossi (lower body)
  • Derek Forbort (undisclosed)

IHM Lineup Note:
Vancouver’s injuries force simplified roles and heavier defensive workload for Hronek’s pair. Pettersson remains the key transition driver, but the Canucks must manage puck risk on exits to avoid feeding Vegas’ counter-forecheck and quick strike chances.

Q&A: Projected Lineups and Starting Goalies

Q1: What are projected lineups?
Projected lineups are the expected forward lines and defense pairs based on the latest practice information, morning skate reports, and beat-writer updates. They can change closer to puck drop.

Q2: When are starting goalies confirmed?
Starters are most often confirmed after morning skate or during pregame media availability. Final confirmation can also come 30 to 90 minutes before faceoff.

Q3: Why do line combinations change on game day?
Coaches adjust lines for matchups, injury status, travel fatigue, and special teams roles. Late scratches can force quick reshuffles and role changes.

Q4: What is the difference between scratched and injured?
A scratched player is healthy but not in the lineup. Injured players are unavailable due to a reported injury or medical status designation.

Q5: How should I read forward lines and defense pairs?
Lines reflect expected even-strength usage, while defense pairs indicate matchup structure and puck-moving roles. Special teams usage can differ from the listed units.

Q6: What do the IHM lineup notes focus on?
The notes focus on forecheck structure, neutral-zone approach, transition quality, and how personnel changes affect matchups, tempo, and scoring chance quality.

Q7: Can projected lineups change after this post is published?
Yes. Treat projected lineups as the latest snapshot. Always re-check starters and late lineup updates closer to puck drop.

Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks – IHM Premium Open Analysis | Feb 5, 2026 | IHM Premium Open Analysis
NHL Injury & Lineup Update: Key Forwards Near Return, Goalie Situations Shift League-Wide

NHL Injury & Lineup Update: Key Forwards Near Return, Goalie Situations Shift League-Wide

NHL Status Pulse: Multiple Key Returns Could Shift Weekend Matchups Across the League

Date: December 6, 2025 Author: IHM News

The NHL landscape continues to evolve as several important players edge closer to returning from injury, while others have already stepped back into game action. Florida’s forward depth may receive a timely boost, Anaheim regains important versatility, San Jose stabilizes its forward rotation, and Vancouver’s crease could soon change hands again. Here is the full situational breakdown heading into the weekend.

Florida Panthers: Luostarinen Nears Surprise Return After Unusual Injury

Florida may soon welcome back Eetu Luostarinen, who practiced on Friday for the first time since suffering burns in a barbecue-related accident. His return is not locked in, but he has not been ruled out for this weekend’s games.

Luostarinen has been sidelined since November 15 but remains one of Florida’s most structurally important forwards this season with 10 points in 18 games. During practice, he skated on the top line alongside Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart – a strong indication that he could immediately reclaim heavy minutes if cleared to play.

Florida hosts Columbus on Saturday and the New York Islanders on Sunday, making Luostarinen’s potential return especially valuable for two high-tempo matchups.

Anaheim Ducks: Granlund Back, Goaltending Remains a Critical Concern

Mikael Granlund officially returned to the Ducks lineup on Friday against Washington after missing significant time with a lower-body injury. Prior to his absence, he recorded nine points in nine games, providing playmaking and pace through Anaheim’s middle six.

Granlund skated alongside Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano, instantly restoring Anaheim’s transitional ability and puck control in the offensive zone.

However, the Ducks remain severely limited in net. Petr Mrazek is out for multiple weeks, Lukas Dostal remains unavailable, and Ville Husso recently struggled in relief duty before being replaced mid-game. Anaheim’s goaltending situation remains one of the most fragile in the league entering the coming stretch of games.

San Jose Sharks: Jeff Skinner Stabilizes Top-Six Rotation

Jeff Skinner returned for San Jose in Friday’s loss to Dallas after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury. While he found no points in his return, his presence alone stabilizes San Jose’s scoring structure and power-play spacing.

Skinner has now registered seven points in 18 games and logged over 17 minutes of ice time in his return. Meanwhile, forward Pavol Regenda was reassigned to the AHL as the Sharks rebalance their forward depth.

Vancouver Canucks: Demko and Hoglander Target Potential Return Next Week

Vancouver could see a major roster shift as soon as next Thursday when both Thatcher Demko and Nils Hoglander may be available against Buffalo. Demko has missed most of the last month with a lower-body issue but recently returned to partial team practice.

Hoglander, who has yet to play this season, is nearing full readiness after a training camp injury and could be reintegrated following several full practices.

The Canucks host Utah on Friday before turning their attention toward Buffalo as a potential return date for both players.

Philadelphia Flyers: Cam York Status Under Evaluation

Philadelphia defenseman Cam York is being monitored day-to-day following an upper-body injury sustained during a defensive-zone scrum. York plays heavy minutes and ranks among the Flyers’ top contributors from the blue line with 12 points in 23 games.

His availability may directly impact Philadelphia’s upcoming home game against Colorado.

New York Islanders: Drouin Traveling Despite Injury

Jonathan Drouin was a late scratch recently but remains with the Islanders for their Florida road trip. He continues to deal with a lower-body issue but is expected to rejoin the lineup as soon as medically cleared.

Drouin has already surpassed 15 points this season and remains a key transition driver in New York’s offensive structure.

What This Means Going Forward

This wave of recoveries arrives at a crucial point in the schedule. Teams fighting for playoff positioning are now forced to rebalance rotations, goaltending depth, special teams chemistry, and defensive assignments under increasing physical stress.

The next seven days could quietly reshape several divisional battles before the standings fully reflect the impact.

Coach Mark Lehtonen – Tactical Medical Impact Comment

The timing of these returns is no coincidence. Once teams cross the midseason workload threshold, controlled rehabilitation becomes part of tactical roster management. Florida’s case with Luostarinen is especially important. His value is not strictly in scoring but in spatial coverage between the dots and defensive recovery through the neutral zone.

Granlund’s return to Anaheim restores transition stability, but the Ducks remain structurally vulnerable in net. No offensive recovery truly matters without goalkeeping reliability.

Vancouver’s situation is the most dangerous for opponents. A healthy Demko instantly shifts expected-goal models across every matchup he plays. When a top-level goaltender re-enters the system, the entire defensive psychology of a team changes overnight.

Q&A - NHL Injury Outlook December 5, 2025

Q: Which return has the biggest immediate tactical impact?

A: Thatcher Demko. Goaltending stability affects every layer of team structure.

Q: Can Luostarinen immediately jump back into Florida’s top line?

A: Yes, but minute management will be critical during the first two games.

Q: Is Anaheim still in danger despite Granlund’s return?

A: Yes. Without stable goaltending, puck possession alone will not translate into wins.

Q: Does Skinner’s return change San Jose’s trajectory?

A: It improves forward efficiency but does not fix defensive exposure.

Tags: NHL Injuries, NHL Lineup News, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks

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