Blues vs Islanders projected lineup November 22 2025: A complete breakdown

Blues vs Islanders projected lineup November 22 2025: A complete breakdown

As the St. Louis Blues prepare to face the New York Islanders on November 22, 2025, fans on both sides are eager to see how their teams will line up. This matchup promises to be an intriguing battle between two franchises with different trajectories but shared ambitions of playoff success. The Blues, traditionally known for their physical, defense-first approach, have been integrating younger talent into their core. Meanwhile, the Islanders under Patrick Roy’s coaching continue to emphasize structure and disciplined play that has become their hallmark.

The November timing is crucial. By this point in the season, teams have settled into rhythms, early surprises have normalized, and coaching staffs have had sufficient time to assess what line combinations work best. For both the Blues and Islanders, this game represents not just another two points in the standings but a test of their systems against a quality opponent. Let’s dive deep into the projected lineups, key matchups, and strategic considerations for this Saturday night showdown.

Blues projected lineup and key changes

The Blues enter this game with a roster that blends veteran leadership with exciting young prospects. Head coach Drew Bannister has shown flexibility in his line deployments, often adjusting based on opponent matchups and recent performance.

Forwards configuration

St. Louis will likely roll with a top line centered by Robert Thomas, flanked by Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich. This trio has developed excellent chemistry, with Thomas’s playmaking ability complementing the scoring touch of his wingers. Thomas has established himself as a legitimate number-one center, capable of controlling possession and making high-skill plays under pressure.

The second line should feature Brayden Schenn between Jake Neighbours and Brandon Saad. Schenn brings championship experience and physicality, while Neighbours continues his emergence as a power forward who can contribute in all situations. Saad’s two-way reliability makes this line a trusted option for defensive zone starts and critical moments.

On the third line, expect to see rookie standout Matthew Kessel alongside veterans Oskar Sundqvist and Alexandre Texier. This combination provides a nice balance of youthful energy and veteran savvy. Kessel’s offensive instincts have translated well to the NHL level, giving the Blues additional scoring depth they lacked in previous seasons.

The fourth line will probably consist of Nathan Walker, Tyler Pitlick, and Kasperi Kapanen. This unit brings speed, tenacity, and the ability to shift momentum with a heavy forecheck. Their primary responsibility will be to wear down the Islanders’ defense and create energy shifts throughout the game.

Defensive pairings and goaltending

The Blues’ blue line remains anchored by Colton Parayko and Nick Leddy on the top pairing. Parayko’s reach and physical presence combined with Leddy’s skating and puck-moving ability create a formidable duo capable of matching up against any top line in the league. They’ve logged heavy minutes together and have developed strong communication patterns.

The second pairing should feature Scott Perunovich alongside rookie sensation, 2024 first-round pick Adam Jiricek. Perunovich’s offensive creativity and power-play quarterbacking skills mesh well with Jiricek’s steady, responsible defensive game. This pairing represents the future of the Blues’ defense while remaining highly effective in the present.

On the third pair, look for Tyler Tucker and Marco Scandella to provide stability and physicality. Tucker has embraced his role as a tough, hard-nosed defender who makes opponents pay for venturing into the Blues’ zone. Scandella’s experience and positioning make him a reliable partner who can cover when Tucker plays aggressively.

In goal, Joel Hofer gets the nod as the established starter. His athleticism and technical proficiency have given St. Louis the consistent goaltending they need. The Blues’ defensive structure plays to Hofer’s strengths, allowing him to track pucks and control rebounds effectively. Backup duties will fall to prospect Will Cranley, who has impressed in limited NHL action.

Islanders projected lineup and tactical approach

The Islanders under Patrick Roy have maintained their identity as a structured, defensively responsible team that’s difficult to play against. Their lineup reflects this philosophy while incorporating enough offensive talent to compete in tight games.

Forward lines and matchups

The Islanders’ top line features Mathew Barzal between Anders Lee and Bo Horvat. This combination gives New York a mix of elite playmaking, power-forward presence, and goal-scoring ability. Barzal’s speed through the neutral zone creates problems for opposing defenses, while Lee’s net-front presence and Horvat’s finishing touch have made this a productive trio.

The second line should see Brock Nelson centering Kyle Palmieri and Pierre Engvall. Nelson’s two-way game and offensive production make him one of the most underrated centers in the league. Palmieri continues to be a reliable secondary scoring option, while Engvall’s size and skating ability add a different dimension to this unit.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau will anchor the third line between Simon Holmstrom and Oliver Wahlstrom. Pageau’s defensive acumen and faceoff prowess make this line ideal for matching up against the Thomas line. Holmstrom has developed into a responsible two-way winger, and Wahlstrom’s shot remains a constant threat when given time and space.

The fourth line, traditionally a strength for the Islanders, features Casey Cizikas between Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin. Despite the league trending toward speed and skill, this line still proves effective through their physical play, forechecking pressure, and ability to change momentum with a strong shift in the offensive zone.

Defensive structure and goaltending

The Islanders’ defense begins with their top pairing of Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech. This duo has been together for years and forms one of the best shutdown pairings in the NHL. Their ability to limit high-danger chances and make smart first passes out of the zone sets the tone for New York’s defensive structure.

The second pairing will likely feature Noah Dobson alongside Alexander Romanov. Dobson has developed into an elite offensive defenseman, quarterbacking the power play and leading the rush. Romanov’s physical, aggressive style provides a perfect complement, as he handles the defensive responsibilities that allow Dobson to jump into the play.

On the third pair, expect Samuel Bolduc and Scott Mayfield to provide size and reliability. Bolduc has established himself as a steady NHL defender with good positional awareness, while Mayfield’s physical presence and shot-blocking ability make him valuable in penalty kill situations.

Ilya Sorokin will be the starting goaltender, continuing his reputation as one of the league’s elite netminders. His technical excellence and ability to make difficult saves look routine give the Islanders confidence to play their structured style. Semyon Varlamov provides excellent backup support, ensuring the Islanders don’t miss a beat when he gets the call.

Special teams and key strategic battles

Special teams often determine the outcome in tightly contested matchups, and this game should be no exception. The Blues’ power play, featuring Thomas, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Perunovich, and Parayko, has been clicking at around 24% this season. Their ability to move the puck quickly and create shooting lanes from the point makes them dangerous. The Islanders’ penalty kill, anchored by Pageau, Cizikas, Pulock, and Pelech, operates at an 82% success rate and excels at blocking shots and clearing pucks.

Conversely, the Islanders’ power play with Barzal, Horvat, Lee, Dobson, and Nelson presents challenges with its combination of skill and net-front presence. The Blues’ penalty kill, led by Schenn, Thomas, Parayko, and Leddy, has been slightly less effective at 79% but features active sticks and aggressive pressure on the puck carrier.

The key strategic battle will be in the neutral zone. The Islanders want to force dump-ins and establish their forecheck, while the Blues prefer to carry the puck in with control to utilize their skill players. Whichever team imposes their will in this area will likely control puck possession and scoring chances.

Faceoffs present another critical matchup. The Islanders boast strong faceoff men in Pageau, Barzal, and Nelson, while the Blues counter with Thomas and Schenn. Possession starts with winning draws, and in a game expected to be low-event, every faceoff victory matters significantly.

Injury updates and lineup adjustments

As of late November, both teams are relatively healthy, which should allow for the projected lineups to hold true. The Blues have been fortunate to avoid major injuries to their core players, with only minor maintenance days for veterans like Leddy and Saad. Their depth has been tested at times, but prospects like Kessel and Jiricek have stepped up admirably.

The Islanders have similarly enjoyed good health, though they’ve been without defenseman Scott Mayfield for a brief period with a lower-body injury. His potential return would bolster their third pairing and penalty kill units. Forward Oliver Wahlstrom has also been nursing a minor issue but has continued to play effectively.

Lineup flexibility remains a strength for both coaching staffs. Bannister has shown willingness to shuffle lines mid-game if matchups aren’t working, while Roy’s trust in his players allows him to roll four lines consistently. This depth means that if any player is a late scratch, both teams have capable replacements ready to step in without significant drop-off in performance.

The timing of this game matters for potential call-ups as well. With the AHL season in full swing, both organizations have players performing well at the minor league level who could be recalled for depth. The Blues have forwards like Zachary Bolduc and defensemen such as Jimmy Snuggerud making cases for NHL opportunities, while the Islanders boast prospects like William Dufour who could contribute if needed.

Blues vs Islanders November 22 2025: What the matchup means for both teams

This Saturday night tilt carries significance beyond just the two points at stake. For the Blues, it’s a measuring stick against an Eastern Conference contender with a proven system and elite goaltending. Success would validate their own defensive structure and show they can win tight, low-scoring games against quality opponents. The Western Conference playoff race remains brutally competitive, and points gained in November often prove crucial in April.

The Islanders view this as an opportunity to continue building their identity under Patrick Roy. While they’ve established themselves as playoff regulars, taking down a skilled Western Conference team on home ice would demonstrate their ability to adapt to different styles. Their methodical approach has served them well against division rivals, but versatility against non-conference opponents is essential for playoff preparedness.

Both teams feature strong leadership groups that understand the importance of these mid-season tests. The Blues’ Schenn and Parayko have championship pedigrees and know how to elevate their play in crucial moments. Similarly, the Islanders’ Lee, Barzal, and Pulock have experienced deep playoff runs and understand that games in November set the foundation for spring success.

The goaltending matchup of Hofer versus Sorokin could be spectacular. Both represent the new breed of technically proficient, athletically gifted netminders who can steal games. In a contest that might feature limited high-quality chances, the goaltender who makes one more save could be the difference between victory and defeat. Their individual battle within the team game will be fascinating to watch.

Ultimately, this Blues vs Islanders projected lineup November 22 2025 matchup showcases two organizations committed to team-first concepts while incorporating enough individual skill to entertain. The game will likely be decided by special teams execution, goaltending excellence, and which team better imposes their preferred style of play. Fans should expect a closely contested, tactical affair that demonstrates why both these franchises remain relevant in the NHL landscape. The result will provide valuable insights into each team’s championship viability as the season progresses toward the winter months and beyond.