The Bruins vs Sharks projected lineup for November 23, 2025, features two teams at very different stages of their organizational journeys. The Boston Bruins arrive with playoff pedigree and a 13-10-0 record, while the San Jose Sharks are rebuilding and sit at 10-9-3. Boston is dealing with injuries but leaning on new talent, whereas San Jose is showcasing a youth movement led by Macklin Celebrini. The 8 p.m. ET puck drop at SAP Center promises a fascinating study in contrasting approaches to success in today’s NHL.
The story so far: Bruins and Sharks season trajectories
Boston snapped a two-game skid with a 2-1 overtime win over Los Angeles, showing offensive firepower even as injuries mount. Their power play ranks fourth league-wide, underscoring depth and resilience.
San Jose comes off a 3-2 loss to Ottawa. Their 18.2% power play is 19th in the league, reflecting a team still building chemistry but with a growing core that makes them dangerous on any night.
These divergent paths converge at SAP Center, where Boston must adapt without some star players while San Jose leans on its youth to test itself against a powerhouse.
Bruins vs Sharks projected lineup November 23, 2025: Forward lines breakdown
Boston’s reconfigured top six navigating injury challenges
The top line features Matej Blumel with Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak. Pastrnak leads Boston with 28 points this season. The second line centers Alex Steeves with Marat Khusnutdinov and Morgan Geekie, who has 16 goals this season. Boston’s bottom six includes Tanner Jeannot, Fraser Minten, and Mark Kastelic, with Riley Tufte, Sean Kuraly, and Michael Eyssimont on the fourth line. Injuries to Elias Lindholm, Casey Mittelstadt, and Viktor Arvidsson constrain Montgomery’s options.
San Jose’s youth movement taking center stage
San Jose’s top line features Macklin Celebrini centering Philipp Kurashev and Will Smith, with Celebrini having 32 points on the season. Will Smith has 21 points. The second line includes William Eklund, Alexander Wennberg, and Tyler Toffoli. The third line is Adam Gaudette, Ty Dellandrea, and Collin Graf, with Barclay Goodrow, Zack Ostapchuk, and Ryan Reaves on the fourth unit.
Bruins vs Sharks projected lineup November 23, 2025: Defensive pairings analysis
Boston’s blue line stretched thin by injuries
Top pairing: Nikita Zadorov and Jonathan Aspirot. Second unit: Hampus Lindholm with Henri Jokiharju. Third pairing: Mason Lohrei and Andrew Peeke. Scratched: Michael Callahan and Jeffrey Viel.
San Jose’s retooled defense finding its identity
Top pairing: Dmitry Orlov and Timothy Liljegren. Second: Mario Ferraro and John Klingberg. Third: Sam Dickinson and Vincent Desharnais. Scratched: Vincent Iorio, Nick Leddy, and Shakir Mukhamadullin.
Bruins vs Sharks projected lineup November 23, 2025: Goalie matchup
Swayman seeking consistency against high-powered offense
Jeremy Swayman starts for Boston, with Joonas Korpisalo as the backup.
Askarov’s emergence as San Jose’s franchise goalie
Yaroslav Askarov gets the nod for San Jose, with Alex Nedeljkovic having played Saturday. This tandem with Celebrini is a cornerstone for the rebuild.
Key injuries and roster decisions
Bruins managing significant absences
Charlie McAvoy (upper body), Elias Lindholm (lower body), Jordan Harris (ankle surgery), Casey Mittelstadt (lower body), and Viktor Arvidsson are out or uncertain, contributing to Boston’s 13-10-0 record.
Sharks dealing with growing pains
Michael Misa (lower body) sidelined; Jeff Skinner’s status uncertain. The team has scratched Vincent Iorio, Nick Leddy, and Shakir Mukhamadullin and recalled Iorio after a conditioning stint.
Players to watch and tactical matchups
Celebrini-Zacha: A battle of franchise centers
Celebrini (32 points) vs Pavel Zacha. Zacha must rise to the occasion as Boston’s top center in Lindholm’s absence.
Pastrnak’s scoring against San Jose’s defensive structure
Pastrnak (28 points) remains the primary threat; San Jose will stress their top defensive pairing of Orlov and Liljegren to limit him, while Boston’s power play challenges San Jose’s penalty kill.
The coaching chess match and special teams
Ryan Warsofsky vs Jim Montgomery. Special teams will be pivotal as Boston’s power play battles San Jose’s improving penalty kill.
What it means for both teams going forward
Boston aims to prove it can win on the road with injuries, while San Jose emphasizes development and gaining experience for its young core. The game serves as a barometer for the Sharks’ rebuild trajectory.
The Bruins vs Sharks projected lineup on November 23, 2025 offers a snapshot of two different philosophies in today’s NHL: veteran structure with injury-driven adaptation versus youth-led development and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.