Carolina Hurricanes vs Buffalo Sabres projected lineup November 23, 2025: complete game preview

The Carolina Hurricanes vs Buffalo Sabres projected lineup November 23 2025 features a compelling afternoon matchup between two Eastern Conference teams trending in opposite directions. The Hurricanes arrive in Buffalo with a commanding 14-5-2 record, riding a five-game point streak and fresh off a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, the Sabres enter at 8-9-4, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to find the consistency needed to climb the standings.

This matinee showdown at KeyBank Center represents the second meeting between these clubs in just over two weeks, with Carolina having claimed a 6-3 victory on November 8 in Raleigh. That earlier contest saw the Hurricanes’ offensive depth overwhelm Buffalo’s defense, a pattern the Sabres hope to reverse on home ice. With both teams dealing with injury concerns and roster decisions, Sunday’s projected lines reveal fascinating tactical adjustments from each coaching staff.

Carolina hurricanes projected lineup for November 23 2025

Top-six forward combinations and chemistry questions

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour appears set to roll with proven combinations that have generated consistent offense throughout the Hurricanes’ recent surge. The top line of Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis has been electric, with each player recording points in consecutive games entering Sunday’s action. Jarvis leads the team with 11 goals, while Aho’s 21 points pace the Hurricanes’ attack.

The second unit features Nikolaj Ehlers centering Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake, a trio showcasing Carolina’s enviable forward depth. Ehlers has recorded assists in back-to-back contests, demonstrating his playmaking ability. This line’s speed and creativity could exploit Buffalo’s defensive gaps, particularly during transitional play. The Hurricanes’ ability to roll two dangerous scoring lines has been instrumental in their early-season success.

Carolina’s bottom six provides a mix of veteran leadership and physical presence. Jordan Staal, the team’s captain, anchors the third line with William Carrier and Jordan Martinook. This unit excels in defensive zone starts and penalty killing situations. The fourth line features Taylor Hall alongside Mark Jankowski and Eric Robinson, offering a blend of experience and energy that can wear down opponents over 60 minutes.

Defensive pairings and goaltending decisions

The blue line presents the biggest question mark for Carolina heading into Buffalo. With Jaccob Slavin sidelined by a lower-body injury, the Hurricanes have been forced to rely heavily on rookie defensemen. Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker form the top pairing, bringing veteran stability and offensive instincts. K’Andre Miller and Jalen Chatfield have developed strong chemistry as the second duo, with Miller’s physicality complementing Chatfield’s mobility.

The third pairing remains uncertain. Alexander Nikishin, who made his season debut on Friday after being scratched for the first time this year, could draw back in alongside Joel Nystrom. Alternatively, Mike Reilly might swap in depending on matchups. The Hurricanes’ defensive depth has been tested, but the emergence of young blueliners has allowed them to navigate injuries without catastrophic results.

In goal, Pyotr Kochetkov appears likely to get the nod after Frederik Andersen started Friday’s win in Winnipeg. Kochetkov boasts stellar numbers through four starts, posting a 0.926 save percentage and 1.70 goals-against average. His fresh legs could prove crucial in a back-to-back road scenario, though Andersen’s veteran presence provides an excellent safety net.

Buffalo sabres projected lineup November 23 2025 and roster challenges

Forward group navigating injury adversity

The Sabres’ projected lineup reflects the injury challenges that have plagued their season. The top line of Josh Doan, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch represents Buffalo’s most dangerous offensive unit when healthy. Thompson leads the team with 11 goals and shares the points lead with Tuch at 20 apiece. However, reports suggest Thompson may be dealing with a nagging injury, creating uncertainty about his effectiveness.

Jason Zucker centers the second line with Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn, a combination that must provide secondary scoring. The third line features Tyson Kozak between Noah Ostlund and Isak Rosen, relying on young talent to generate opportunities. Jordan Greenway, Peyton Krebs, and Beck Malenstyn round out the forward corps with a physical, energy-focused fourth line.

The potential return of Zach Benson from a lower-body injury has been discussed, but he remains on injured reserve, requiring a roster move to activate him. His absence has forced coach Don Granato to juggle combinations throughout November. The Sabres’ forward depth has been tested repeatedly, and their ability to ice four competitive lines against Carolina’s deep attack remains questionable.

Young defense corps under pressure

Buffalo’s defensive group features a wealth of young talent led by Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. Mattias Samuelsson partners Dahlin on the top pairing, tasked with shutting down Carolina’s potent top line. The second pairing of Power and Jacob Bryson has shown promise but must limit costly mistakes against the Hurricanes’ aggressive forecheck.

Bowen Byram and Conor Timmins form the third pairing, with Byram’s offense-minded approach creating both opportunities and risks. The Sabres’ defense has struggled with consistency, allowing 3.4 goals per game this season. Their 88.5% penalty kill rate leads the NHL, however, providing a potential advantage against Carolina’s struggling power play, which operates at just 13.6% efficiency.

In goal, Alex Lyon is expected to start after backup Colten Ellis handled Friday’s blowout win over Chicago. Lyon carries a 3-5-3 record with a 0.907 save percentage, numbers that must improve for Buffalo to compete with elite Eastern Conference teams. His performance could determine whether the Sabres can steal points from a superior opponent.

Key matchups and tactical considerations

Special teams battle and its potential impact

The special teams comparison reveals stark contrasts between these clubs. Buffalo’s league-leading penalty kill poses a significant challenge for Carolina’s power play, which ranks 31st in the NHL at 13.6%. The Hurricanes have struggled to convert with the man advantage despite possessing elite offensive talent. This represents a potential area for the Sabres to neutralize Carolina’s edge at even strength.

Conversely, Buffalo’s power play operates at 17.5%, slightly above league average but facing a Carolina penalty kill that sits at 21st overall (78.8%). The Hurricanes have allowed power-play goals in recent games, creating an opening for Buffalo’s Thompson-Tuch connection to make an impact. Whichever team wins the special teams battle likely gains a decisive advantage.

The goaltending matchup favors Carolina significantly. Kochetkov’s pristine statistics contrast sharply with Lyon’s struggles, though Lyon’s experience includes strong performances against top competition. If the Sabres can generate high-danger chances and test Kochetkov early, they might shake the young goaltender’s confidence.

Individual battles to monitor

Several key matchups will shape Sunday’s outcome. Aho vs. Dahlin represents a clash of elite talents, with Carolina’s star center facing Buffalo’s franchise defenseman. The Sabres must also account for Seth Jarvis, who has torched them for points in recent meetings, including a four-point performance on November 8.

Jordan Staal’s line against Buffalo’s top offensive unit becomes critical. Staal’s defensive prowess and faceoff excellence could neutralize Thompson’s scoring threat, forcing the Sabres to rely on secondary scoring. The physical play of Carrier and Martinook must disrupt Buffalo’s rhythm without taking penalties against that dangerous penalty kill.

On the back end, the absence of Slavin tests Carolina’s defensive depth. Can Gostisbehere and Walker handle the Doan-Thompson-Tuch line’s size and skill? The answer likely determines whether the Hurricanes can control play or find themselves in a high-scoring affair.

Injury report, roster implications, and what it means for November 23 2025

Carolina’s injury concerns and roster management

The Hurricanes enter Buffalo managing several significant injuries. Jaccob Slavin’s lower-body injury represents the most substantial loss, as the defenseman typically logs 23+ minutes against opponents’ top lines. Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s absence creates a hole at center depth, forcing Jankowski into a larger role. Additionally, Charles Alexis Legault’s hand injury has reduced defensive depth.

Despite these challenges, Carolina’s organizational depth has shone through. The team’s ability to recall effective players from the AHL and rely on rookie defensemen demonstrates strong talent development. Coach Brind’Amour’s system emphasizes structure over individual talent, allowing replacements to thrive. This resilience helps explain why the Hurricanes maintain top-tier status despite missing key contributors.

The healthy scratch of Brandon Bussi and potential decision between Nikishin and Reilly highlights the luxury of options. Carolina can tailor its lineup to exploit Buffalo’s weaknesses, whether that means adding offense (Nikishin) or stability (Reilly). This flexibility provides a strategic edge that Buffalo lacks.

Buffalo’s mounting injury crisis

The Sabres face a more daunting injury situation that has directly impacted their poor record. Michael Kesselring’s lower-body injury, Jiri Kulich’s blood clot issue, and Justin Danforth’s lower-body ailment have decimated depth. Josh Norris remains out with an upper-body injury, removing a potential top-nine forward.

Perhaps most concerning is Tage Thompson’s status. Reports indicate the star center may be playing through discomfort, which could limit his effectiveness against Carolina’s physical defense. Thompson’s health is paramount to Buffalo’s success—without him at 100%, the Sabres’ offensive ceiling drops dramatically.

The potential return of Zach Benson looms as a positive development, but he cannot solve all the roster’s issues. Until Buffalo gets healthier, they remain at a talent disadvantage against elite teams like Carolina. Coach Granato must squeeze maximum effort from his available players while hoping for better health as the season progresses.

Final thoughts on Carolina hurricanes vs Buffalo sabres November 23 2025

The Carolina hurricanes vs Buffalo sabres projected lineup November 23 2025 reveals a matchup where depth and health heavily favor the visitors. Carolina’s ability to ice four competitive lines and three solid defensive pairings, even without Jaccob Slavin, presents a formidable challenge for a Buffalo squad battling multiple injuries. The Hurricanes’ 14-5-2 record reflects superior talent and execution, while the Sabres’ 8-9-4 mark illustrates their struggle to find consistency.

However, afternoon games often produce unpredictable results, and Buffalo’s league-leading penalty kill provides a genuine path to competitiveness. If Alex Lyon can deliver above-average goaltending and the Sabres’ power play can capitalize on limited opportunities, an upset remains possible. The emotional boost of playing at home in front of a matinee crowd shouldn’t be underestimated, particularly for a young team seeking positive momentum.

For the Hurricanes, this game represents a chance to complete a successful four-game road trip and maintain momentum in the Metropolitan Division race. Andrei Svechnikov’s milestone 500th game adds sentimental value, but the team’s focus remains on systematic play and continuing their point streak. Carolina’s championship aspirations demand they handle business against struggling opponents, making Sunday’s contest a test of their professionalism and focus.

The most likely outcome sees Carolina’s superior depth and goaltending proving too much for Buffalo’s injury-ravaged roster. Yet hockey’s inherent unpredictability means the Sabres cannot be counted out, especially if Tage Thompson plays at full strength and their special teams advantage materializes. Fans should expect an entertaining, fast-paced game that tests whether Carolina can maintain its elite standard or if Buffalo can finally build on their potential.