Blue Jackets vs Red Wings projected lineup November 22, 2025: a complete preview

Blue Jackets vs Red Wings projected lineup November 22, 2025: a complete preview

Hockey fans are counting down to the November 22, 2025 matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings, and projected lineups are taking shape as both teams approach the mid-season mark. This Central Division clash carries extra weight as both clubs jockey for playoff positioning, making lineup decisions and player availability critical viewing for fans and analysts alike. With injuries, recent performance trends, and coaching strategies all factoring into roster construction, we break down what to expect when these two historic franchises hit the ice.

Blue Jackets vs Red Wings projected lineup November 22, 2025: Detroit’s forward combinations

The Red Wings have found stability in their top-six after early-season experimentation, with Dylan Larkin centering Tyler Bertuzzi and Lucas Raymond on the first line. This trio has generated 31 points combined over the last ten games, showcasing the chemistry that head coach Derek Lalonde has praised publicly. “They’re creating high-danger chances consistently and playing the right way in all three zones,” Lalonde noted after Detroit’s 4-2 win over Toronto on November 18.

Detroit’s second line features Alex DeBrincat flanking Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher, providing a balanced mix of scoring touch and defensive responsibility. DeBrincat’s power-play production has been exceptional, with five goals on the man advantage this season, while Copp’s faceoff win percentage of 54.2% gives the Red Wings critical puck possession in key situations.

The third line presents the most intriguing question marks for Detroit. Rookie Marco Kasper has shown flashes but may rotate with veteran David Perron depending on game situations. Perron’s playoff experience and physical play could prove valuable against a Blue Jackets team that isn’t afraid to engage in board battles.

Detroit’s fourth line will likely feature Michael Rasmussen between Christian Fischer and Robby Fabbri, giving the Red Wings size and energy. This unit has been effective at limiting opposition scoring chances, posting a 48.3% expected goals against rate that ranks among the best fourth lines in the league.

Columbus blue jackets offensive projections for November 22

The Blue Jackets enter this contest on a modest three-game point streak, thanks largely to the play of Boone Jenner’s line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. Jenner’s return to health has stabilized Columbus’ top-six, and his net-front presence creates space for Gaudreau’s playmaking and Laine’s lethal shot. Head coach Dean Evason has relied heavily on this trio in late-game situations, with each player averaging over 18 minutes of ice time in November.

Columbus’ second line features Jack Roslovic centering Kirill Marchenko and Yegor Chinakhov, a unit that’s struggled with consistency but has shown improvement in recent outings. Marchenko’s transition game has created several odd-man rushes, while Chinakhov’s willingness to shoot from anywhere keeps defenses honest. This line’s defensive responsibility will be tested against Detroit’s skilled top-six.

The third line presents an interesting dilemma for Evason. Rookie center Dmitri Voronov has impressed in limited action, but veteran Sean Kuraly provides the penalty-killing prowess and leadership that could prove crucial. Expect a rotation based on game flow, with Voronov getting offensive zone starts and Kuraly handling defensive assignments.

Columbus’ fourth line will feature Eric Robinson, Cole Sillinger, and Mathieu Olivier, a group that brings speed and physicality. Sillinger’s development has been a bright spot, with the 21-year-old center winning 52.8% of his faceoffs and contributing on both special teams units.

Blue Jackets vs Red Wings projected lineup November 22, 2025: Defensive pairings analysis

Detroit’s defensive corps has been reshaped by injuries but has responded admirably. Moritz Seider and Jake Walman form the top pairing, with Seider logging a team-high 24:42 of ice time per game. His ability to break up zone entries and transition the puck quickly makes him Detroit’s most valuable defenseman in this matchup. Walman’s physical presence and shot-blocking ability provide the perfect complement, as the pairing has allowed just 1.8 expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five.

The second pairing features Ben Chiarot and Simon Edvinsson, a veteran-rookie combination that’s shown promise. Edvinsson’s mobility and puck-moving skills have improved dramatically since October, while Chiarot’s steady defensive play and penalty kill work have been invaluable. Chiarot has been particularly effective at clearing the crease, a necessity against a Blue Jackets team that crashes the net frequently.

Detroit’s third pairing will likely see Jeff Petry paired with Olli Määttä, giving the Red Wings experienced depth that can be trusted in late-game situations. Both players have Stanley Cup experience and provide the kind of calm under pressure that could prove decisive in a tight divisional game.

Columbus counters with Zach Werenski and Damon Severson as their top pairing, a duo that’s been tasked with heavy minutes all season. Werenski’s offensive instincts are well-documented, but his defensive improvements this season have been noticeable, posting a 52.4% expected goals for percentage that leads all Blue Jackets defenders. Severson’s steady presence allows Werenski to take calculated offensive risks, and his penalty kill work has been excellent.

The Blue Jackets’ second pairing features Ivan Provorov alongside rookie David Jiricek. Provorov’s all-around game has been crucial for Columbus, particularly his ability to play in all situations. Jiricek’s development has accelerated in recent weeks, with the 20-year-old Czech showing the offensive flair that made him a first-round pick.

Andrew Peeke and Erik Gudbranson round out Columbus’ defensive group, providing physicality and shot-blocking ability. This pairing has been effective at limiting high-danger chances against, allowing just 2.1 per game at five-on-five play.

Goaltending situation for both teams

The crease presents an interesting storyline for both clubs as they prepare for this November 22 matchup. Detroit’s Alex Lyon has emerged as the clear starter, posting a .916 save percentage and 2.61 goals against average through 15 starts. His performance in clutch situations has earned Lalonde’s trust, particularly his .925 save percentage in third periods this season. Backup Ville Husso provides a reliable option, though Lyon has started eight of Detroit’s last ten games.

Columbus faces a more complicated decision in net. Spencer Martin has been the surprise of the season, with a .912 save percentage and three shutouts in 12 starts. However, Elvis Merzlikins’ experience and track record keep him in the conversation. Evason has rotated his netminders more frequently than Detroit, and both have seen action in recent games. The smart money suggests Martin gets the nod given his recent hot streak, but Merzlikins’ ability to steal games cannot be discounted.

Special teams will decide Blue Jackets vs Red Wings projected lineup November 22, 2025

Detroit’s power play has been clicking at 24.1% this season, ranking eighth in the league. The top unit featuring Larkin, Raymond, DeBrincat, Seider, and Bertuzzi has been particularly dangerous, generating 8.2 expected goals per 60 minutes with the man advantage. The key will be exploiting Columbus’ penalty kill, which has struggled to a 76.8% success rate, ranking 24th in the NHL.

Columbus’ power play sits at 21.3% for the season, with Gaudreau and Laine leading the charge. The team’s ability to generate one-timers from the circles has been their calling card, with Laine’s shot velocity causing nightmares for opposing goaltenders. Detroit’s penalty kill has been mediocre at 78.9%, and they’ll need to stay disciplined against a Blue Jackets team that can strike quickly.

The battle of special teams will likely determine the outcome, as both teams have shown vulnerabilities while shorthanded. Whichever club can capitalize on their opportunities while limiting damage on the penalty kill will gain a significant advantage in what’s expected to be a tightly contested divisional matchup.

What it means for the central division standings

This game carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Detroit currently sits third in the Central Division with 28 points, while Columbus trails with 24 points but holds games in hand. A regulation win for either side could swing momentum significantly as the calendar approaches December.

The Red Wings are looking to build on their early-season success and establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders. A strong performance against a division rival would validate their hot start and provide confidence heading into a challenging stretch that includes matchups against Colorado and Dallas.

Columbus, meanwhile, needs this game to keep pace in a crowded Central Division race. Falling further behind Detroit could create a gap that’s difficult to close later in the season. The Blue Jackets have shown resilience in recent weeks, but their consistency has been questioned by analysts. A road win in Detroit would answer many of those doubts and prove they belong in the playoff conversation.

Both teams will be missing key contributors due to injury, adding another layer of intrigue to lineup decisions. Detroit’s Tyler Motte remains week-to-week with a lower-body injury, while Columbus will be without Adam Boqvist as he recovers from a shoulder issue. The depth of each organization will be tested, making these projected lineups even more critical to monitor.

For more detailed analysis on Columbus’ season progression, check out our recent coverage of their defensive improvements. Detroit’s special teams success has been a major storyline throughout the early season.

The November 22 matchup promises to be a showcase of two teams at different stages of their development. Detroit appears ahead of schedule in their rebuild, while Columbus is still finding their identity under a new coaching staff. The projected lineups reflect these contrasting paths, with Detroit showing stability and Columbus displaying more fluidity in their combinations.

Blue Jackets vs Red Wings projected lineup November 22, 2025: Final thoughts

As puck drop approaches, both coaching staffs face crucial decisions that could swing the outcome. Detroit’s lineup stability gives them an edge in chemistry, while Columbus’ flexibility allows for in-game adjustments that could exploit matchups. The chess match between Lalonde and Evason will be fascinating to watch unfold.

The individual battles within this game will tell the story. Werenski versus Seider represents a clash of elite defensemen with contrasting styles. Larkin’s line against Jenner’s group will test which top unit can control possession and generate quality chances. In goal, Lyon’s consistency faces off against Columbus’ rotation strategy, where a hot goaltender could steal two points.

This divisional showdown arrives at the perfect time in the NHL calendar. Both teams have established their identities but still have room to grow and adjust. For Detroit, it’s about proving they&#039re legitimate playoff contenders. For Columbus, it&#039s about demonstrating that their recent improvement is sustainable over the long haul.

Betting markets have installed Detroit as slight favorites, reflecting their home-ice advantage and more stable lineup situation. However, Columbus’ ability to generate offense from their blue line and the X-factor of their goaltending situation makes them dangerous underdogs. The Blue Jackets have thrived in that role this season, posting a 6-3-1 record as road underdogs.

The ultimate winner will likely be the team that wins the special teams battle and gets secondary scoring from their bottom-six forwards. Both teams possess elite top-end talent, but depth goals often decide tight divisional games. Keep an eye on the third and fourth lines, as their ability to tilt ice time in their team’s favor could be the difference between two points and an empty trip home.