Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Complete game preview and roster projections

The Calgary Flames roll into Rogers Arena on November 23, 2025, looking to build momentum against a struggling Vancouver Canucks squad in this critical Pacific Division showdown. With both teams battling through significant injury challenges and inconsistent form, tonight’s projected lineups reveal fascinating tactical adjustments that could determine the outcome of this heated Western Conference rivalry.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Game overview and team records

Tonight’s 9 p.m. ET puck drop features two franchises heading in slightly different directions despite similar overall struggles. The Flames arrive in Vancouver fresh off a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night, where backup goaltender Devin Cooley delivered a stellar 28-save performance. That win provided a much-needed confidence boost for a team that has struggled to string together positive results through the first quarter of the season.

The Canucks, meanwhile, continue to navigate one of the most challenging injury situations in the entire NHL. With Thatcher Demko, Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger, Nils Hoglander, and Derek Forbort all sidelined with various ailments, head coach has been forced to rely heavily on unproven youth and veteran depth pieces. Despite these challenges, Vancouver managed to stay competitive in recent weeks, though their 9-11-2 record reflects the difficulty of winning with a depleted roster.

This rivalry matchup carries extra significance given the geographical proximity and shared playoff aspirations. Both organizations made roster changes during the offseason with the belief they could contend for postseason positioning, but early-season results have forced management to reevaluate expectations. A victory tonight would provide crucial positive momentum and potentially serve as a turning point for whichever team emerges victorious.

The Flames hold a slight edge in recent head-to-head meetings, though the Canucks typically elevate their performance when hosting their divisional foes at Rogers Arena. With both teams desperate for points to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture, tonight’s game intensity should mirror a playoff atmosphere despite the November calendar.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Flames forward combinations and scoring threats

Calgary’s top line features Jonathan Huberdeau centering a dynamic trio alongside Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato, representing the Flames’ most potent offensive weapon. Huberdeau, the veteran playmaker, has shown flashes of his All-Star form this season despite the team’s overall struggles. His chemistry with young sniper Coronato continues developing, while Frost’s speed through the neutral zone creates the transition opportunities this line needs to thrive.

The second unit of Yegor Sharangovich, Nazem Kadri, and Joel Farabee brings a blend of skill and sandpaper that defines Calgary’s identity. Kadri, fresh off a controversial but productive season, plays with the edge that makes him a constant distraction for opposing defenses. Sharangovich’s offensive instincts complement Farabee’s two-way responsibility, creating a balanced line capable of contributing in all situations.

Mikael Backlund anchors the third line between Connor Zary and Blake Coleman, providing the defensive reliability coach relies upon for critical faceoffs and penalty killing assignments. This trio has been Calgary’s most consistent unit, rarely getting outplayed at even strength and occasionally chipping in timely goals. Backlund’s veteran leadership proves invaluable during road games like tonight’s contest.

The fourth line features John Beecher, Sam Morton, and physical presence Adam Klapka, who can disrupt opponents with heavy forechecking and energy shifts. Ryan Lomberg remains a potential lineup insertion after serving as a healthy scratch for two consecutive games, possibly replacing Morton if coach opts for more experience. This line’s ability to provide momentum-changing shifts could prove crucial against a Vancouver defense missing several regulars.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Canucks forward groups and depth challenges

Vancouver’s makeshift first line still features elite talent with Jake DeBrusk flanking Elias Pettersson and Evander Kane, though DeBrusk and Kiefer Sherwood recently switched lines in a tactical adjustment. Pettersson continues performing like a franchise center despite limited support, leading the team in scoring while facing opponents’ top defensive pairs nightly. His ability to elevate less experienced linemates showcases his superstar capabilities.

The second unit of Brock Boeser, David Kampf, and Conor Garland must generate secondary offense for Vancouver to succeed. Boeser’s shooting touch remains dangerous when given space, while Kampf’s defensive awareness helps compensate for the line’s aggressive offensive forays. Garland’s tenacity on puck battles creates loose pucks that his linemates can convert into scoring chances.

Drew O’Connor, Aatu Raty, and Kiefer Sherwood compose the third line, representing Vancouver’s youth movement forced into action by injuries. Raty, the highly-touted prospect, receives an excellent opportunity to prove he belongs in an NHL top-nine role permanently. O’Connor’s speed and Sherwood’s recent promotion from the fourth line indicate coach’s confidence in their ability to handle increased responsibility.

The fourth line features Mackenzie MacEachern, Max Sasson, and Linus Karlsson grinding through tough minutes against Calgary’s depth forwards. This trio must focus on simple, safe plays and avoid defensive zone breakdowns that could cost their team dearly. With the Canucks missing so many regulars, contributions from these role players become even more critical for securing a positive result.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Defensive pairings and special teams impact

Calgary’s blue line begins with the formidable duo of Kevin Bahl and Rasmus Andersson, who log heavy minutes in all situations. Andersson’s offensive instincts from the point on power plays create second-chance opportunities, while Bahl’s physical presence clears the crease and protects goaltender Dustin Wolf. Their ability to transition the puck quickly will test Vancouver’s forward group, which lacks its usual complement of two-way players.

The second pairing features Yan Kuznetsov alongside veteran MacKenzie Weegar, combining youth and experience in a balanced unit. Weegar’s steady influence helps cover for Kuznetsov’s occasional aggressive pinches, while the young defender’s mobility allows Calgary to activate their defensemen in the offensive zone effectively. This pair typically draws matchup assignments against opponents’ second lines.

Jake Bean and Brayden Pachal round out the defensive corps on the third pairing, providing solid depth minutes and penalty kill contributions. Both players have filled various roles throughout the season due to injuries, demonstrating the adaptability that NHL coaches value in depth defenders. Their performance tonight could tip the scales if the game becomes a special teams battle.

Vancouver counters with arguably the NHL’s most dynamic defenseman, Quinn Hughes, paired with Filip Hronek on the top pair. Despite Hronek missing Saturday’s practice due to illness, he is expected to play tonight. Hughes’ skating ability and vision make him a constant offensive threat, though he faces increased defensive responsibility with so many forwards unavailable. This pairing must stay out of the penalty box while still generating offense from the back end.

Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers form a massive second pair, using their size advantage to dominate board battles and clear the front of the net. Myers’ reach eliminates passing lanes, while Pettersson’s steady positioning provides structure for a Canucks team lacking its usual system familiarity. This pair’s ability to handle Calgary’s physical forecheck will significantly influence the game’s outcome.

The third pairing features intriguing rookie Elias Nils Pettersson alongside Tom Willander, two young defenders thrust into NHL action earlier than anticipated. Their poise under pressure remains questionable, making them potential targets for Calgary’s aggressive forechecking. How this pair manages their minutes and avoids costly mistakes could determine whether Vancouver survives the evening with two points.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Goaltending situation and expected starters

Dustin Wolf gets the nod for Calgary after Devin Cooley’s impressive shootout performance against Dallas on Saturday. Wolf’s athleticism and technical proficiency have made him the Flames’ clear number-one option, though his statistics haven’t reflected his talent due to Calgary’s defensive inconsistencies. Tonight presents another opportunity for the young netminder to steal a game and propel his team toward a winning streak.

Cooley’s recent success should benefit the team regardless of his backup role tonight. His 28-save performance demonstrated that Calgary possesses reliable depth in goal—a crucial asset during the grueling NHL schedule. Having two capable goaltenders allows the coaching staff to ride the hot hand while keeping both players fresh for important divisional games like this one.

Vancouver turns to Kevin Lankinen as their starting goaltender with Thatcher Demko sidelined by a lower-body injury. Lankinen’s performance since taking over the starter’s workload has been adequate but unspectacular, reflected in the Canucks’ modest record during his starts. His ability to make key saves at critical moments tonight could be the difference between victory and defeat against a Calgary team desperate for goals.

Jiri Patera backs up Lankinen, providing a competent safety net should the starter falter or suffer injury. While Patera lacks extensive NHL experience, his development at the AHL level suggests he could handle spot duty if required. The Canucks’ coaching staff must monitor Lankinen’s performance closely, as their playoff hopes may depend on getting above-average goaltending during this injury crisis.

The goaltending matchup slightly favors Calgary based on recent form, though Wolf’s season-long numbers haven’t significantly outpaced Lankinen’s. Both teams allow substantial shots against per game, meaning each netminder should expect plenty of work. Whichever goaltender makes the most routine saves while stealing a few highlight-reel stops will likely emerge victorious.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: Key storylines and injury impact analysis

The injury situation for Vancouver cannot be overstated, with five regular players unavailable including their starting goaltender and several top-nine forwards. This adversity has forced management to accelerate prospect development and rely on organizational depth previously considered questionable. While players like Aatu Raty and Elias Nils Pettersson gain valuable experience, the team’s short-term competitiveness suffers significantly.

Calgary’s injury list, while less extensive, still impacts their lineup construction. Martin Pospisil’s undisclosed injury removes a valuable depth forward from the rotation, while top prospect Zayne Parekh and young winger Samuel Honzek remain sidelined with upper-body injuries. These absences particularly affect Calgary’s future-focused initiatives, as management would prefer evaluating younger talent during what increasingly appears to be a development season.

The line shuffle involving Jake DeBrusk and Kiefer Sherwood indicates Vancouver’s coaching staff continues searching for optimal combinations despite limited personnel options. DeBrusk’s promotion to the top line alongside Pettersson represents a reward for his recent improved play, while Sherwood’s drop to the third line spreads physical presence throughout the lineup. These adjustments demonstrate that even injury-depleted teams must constantly evolve tactics to remain competitive.

Neither team held a morning skate on game day, a common practice during compact scheduling that conserves player energy. This decision particularly benefits Vancouver’s injury-riddled roster, allowing recovery time for players managing various ailments. For Calgary, the lack of morning skate suggests confidence in their game plan and lineup continuity after Saturday’s positive result.

The Flames must capitalize on Vancouver’s inexperienced third defensive pairing by establishing a heavy forecheck and cycling pucks low in the offensive zone. Calgary’s physical fourth line could significantly impact the game by wearing down Vancouver’s younger defenders, potentially creating late-game opportunities for Huberdeau and the top line.

Calgary flames vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 23 2025: What this game means for both franchises

Tonight’s result carries implications beyond the immediate standings impact. For Calgary, securing consecutive wins for the first time this season would validate their roster construction and provide tangible evidence that their young core can compete at the NHL level. A loss, conversely, might accelerate management’s consideration of roster changes as the trade deadline approaches, potentially making veterans available for future-focused returns.

Vancouver faces even greater stakes, as continued struggles during this injury crisis could bury their playoff hopes before their regulars return. The organization must balance competing for wins with protecting long-term asset value, particularly regarding player health. Pushing injured stars back prematurely could have disastrous consequences, yet losing ground in the standings might render their eventual returns meaningless.

The development of young players on both rosters makes this game intriguing from a scouting perspective. Calgary’s Matt Coronato and Connor Zary continue adjusting to full-time NHL roles, while Vancouver’s Aatu Raty and Elias Nils Pettersson receive opportunities that wouldn’t exist under normal circumstances. How these prospects perform under divisional rivalry pressure provides valuable data for front office planning.

Special teams could determine tonight’s winner, as both teams feature dangerous power play quarterbacks in Rasmus Andersson and Quinn Hughes. Calgary’s penalty kill has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of league standings, while Vancouver’s unit hasn’t fared much better due to personnel limitations. Expect a tightly-called game where discipline becomes paramount.

Ultimately, this matchup represents a crucial inflection point for both franchises as they navigate the challenges of a demanding NHL season. The projected lineups reveal teams desperate for positive results but taking different paths toward that goal. Calgary hopes established talent can elevate emerging players, while Vancouver relies on youth and resilience to weather their injury storm.

For continued coverage of Western Conference matchups, check out our recent analysis of the Dallas Stars vs Vancouver Canucks projected lineup November 20 2025 and the Avalanche vs Canucks preview and projected lineups for November 9, 2025. These articles provide additional context on Vancouver’s ongoing struggles and how they’ve managed their roster through similar challenges.

Sources for this article include official team reports from NHL.com and detailed lineup analysis from The Hockey Writers.