The Carolina Hurricanes head into Ball Arena on Thursday, October 23, 2025, riding a wave of offensive momentum as they prepare to face the red-hot Colorado Avalanche in what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the early season. With both teams sitting near the top of their respective divisions and several intriguing storylines weaving through the contest, this game represents a significant test for two Stanley Cup contenders. The added nostalgia of throwback jerseys—Colorado’s Quebec Nordiques sweaters making their debut and Carolina’s Hartford Whalers whites—adds an extra layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated showdown.
Beyond the aesthetics, this matchup carries serious implications for both clubs. The Hurricanes enter with a 5-1-0 record, looking to bounce back from Monday’s loss in Vegas, while the Avalanche remain one of just two teams without a regulation loss at 5-0-2. The game also marks an emotional reunion as Carolina faces former players Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and Brent Burns for the first time since their departures, adding a compelling human element to the on-ice battle.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Hurricanes forward lines
The Hurricanes’ forward group remains in excellent form despite the absence of key defensive pieces. Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho continue to drive Carolina’s offense, both carrying six-game point streaks into Thursday’s contest. Jarvis has been particularly remarkable, leading the team with nine points and making NHL history by recording four game-winning goals through the team’s first five games—a feat never before accomplished in league history.
The projected top line features Nikolaj Ehlers alongside Aho and Jarvis, a combination that has generated consistent offensive pressure throughout the early season. This trio combines speed, skill, and hockey IQ in a way that challenges even the most structured defensive systems. Aho’s eight points have him second on the team in scoring, and his two-way excellence continues to be the foundation upon which Carolina’s success is built.
Carolina’s second line consists of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jason Blake, providing a blend of veteran savvy and emerging talent. Hall brings Stanley Cup pedigree and playmaking ability, while Stankoven has impressed with his tenacity and finishing touch. The third line features Jordan Martinook centering Eric Staal and William Carrier—a defensively responsible unit that can chip in offensively while providing critical matchup flexibility for head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
The fourth line rounds out with Andrei Svechnikov, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Buddy Robinson. Kotkaniemi’s addition to the second power play unit tonight signals the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to create offense in structured situations, taking over the spot previously held by Mike Reilly. This depth throughout the lineup gives Carolina the ability to roll four lines confidently against Colorado’s formidable defensive structure.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Hurricanes defensive pairings and goaltending
The blueline remains Carolina’s biggest concern heading into this crucial matchup. With Jaccob Slavin sidelined with a lower-body injury and described as being “out for a while,” and Shayne Gostisbehere also missing the remainder of the road trip, the Hurricanes are leaning heavily on their depth defensemen. This situation has thrust rookies into prominent roles far earlier than anticipated.
Jalen Miller and Sean Walker form the top pairing, with Miller assuming increased responsibility in the absence of established veterans. The second pairing features Mike Reilly alongside Jalen Chatfield, a combination that must handle difficult matchups against Colorado’s elite offensive talent. Most notably, rookie Alexander Nikishin will skate alongside fellow first-year player Charles Alexis Legault on the third pairing—Legault’s second NHL appearance after making his debut earlier on this road trip.
The defensive depth challenges create both opportunity and risk for Carolina. While Nikishin has shown impressive poise for a rookie, asking two inexperienced defensemen to navigate against Nathan MacKinnon and company represents a significant test. According to the official Hurricanes team site, Legault worked primarily with Reilly in the previous game against Vegas but has been paired with Nikishin in morning skate preparations for tonight’s contest.
Between the pipes, the starting goaltender remained uncertain as of Thursday morning. Frederik Andersen did not take the ice for the initial portion of morning skate, though that may have simply been a maintenance day rather than an injury concern. Brandon Bussi represents a compelling alternative, having posted wins in both of his NHL appearances so far—victories over San Jose and Los Angeles during this road trip. Bussi’s emergence provides Carolina with legitimate goaltending depth while Pyotr Kochetkov remains sidelined with no timetable for return.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Avalanche forward lines
Colorado’s forward group represents one of the deepest and most talented collections in the NHL. Leading the charge is the top line of Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Necas—a unit that combines elite speed with exceptional hockey sense. MacKinnon paces the team with six goals and has 16 total points in seven games, continuing his Hart Trophy-caliber play. Necas, facing his former team for the first time since the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen trade, leads Colorado with 11 points including six assists.
The emotional subplot of Necas and Jack Drury returning to face Carolina adds narrative intrigue to the on-ice product. Necas spent his entire career with the Hurricanes before the trade that sent him and Drury to Colorado in exchange for Rantanen. Both players have seamlessly integrated into their new roles with the Avalanche, with Necas fitting naturally alongside MacKinnon’s elite playmaking ability.
Colorado’s second line features the returning Gabriel Landeskog at center—a massive boost for an already deep team—flanked by Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin. Landeskog needs just two goals to reach the 250-goal milestone, adding another achievement to monitor throughout the game. The third line consists of Ross Colton centering Drury and Victor Olofsson, providing scoring depth that few teams can match.
The fourth line rounds out with Parker Kelly, Zakhar Bardakov, and Gavin Brindley—a unit focused on energy and defensive responsibility. Colorado’s ability to deploy skill throughout all four lines creates constant pressure on opposing defenses, and Carolina’s depleted blueline will need to stay disciplined to avoid getting caught in extended defensive zone shifts.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Avalanche defensive pairings and goaltending
Colorado’s defensive corps, even with injuries to Samuel Girard and the absence of Mackenzie Blackwood in goal, remains formidable. The top pairing of Devon Toews and Cale Makar represents arguably the best defensive duo in hockey. Makar’s offensive creativity from the backend creates constant scoring chances, while Toews provides steady two-way play that allows his partner to take calculated risks.
The second pairing features Josh Manson alongside Brent Burns, who will be honored before puck drop for reaching 1,500 regular season games. Burns spent 246 games with Carolina before signing with Colorado in free agency during the summer, making this an emotional homecoming of sorts. His booming shot from the point remains a weapon on the power play, though both teams have struggled mightily with the man advantage—Colorado ranks 30th at 11.5% while Carolina sits 31st at just 8.5().
The third pairing consists of Ilya Solovyov and Sam Malinski, providing depth that allows Colorado to weather the absence of Girard. This depth has been critical to the Avalanche’s perfect start in terms of avoiding regulation losses, giving them flexibility in matchups and special teams deployment.
In goal, Scott Wedgewood has been nothing short of sensational. Starting every game in Blackwood’s absence, Wedgewood has posted a .927 save percentage and 1.84 goals against average through seven appearances. His performance has been a revelation for Colorado, providing elite goaltending that allows the team’s offensive firepower to flourish. Wedgewood’s ability to make timely saves while handling the workload of a full-time starter will be tested once again against Carolina’s potent attack.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Avalanche defensive pairings and goaltending
Colorado’s defensive corps, even with injuries to Samuel Girard and the absence of Mackenzie Blackwood in goal, remains formidable. The top pairing of Devon Toews and Cale Makar represents arguably the best defensive duo in hockey. Makar’s offensive creativity from the backend creates constant scoring chances, while Toews provides steady two-way play that allows his partner to take calculated risks.
The second pairing features Josh Manson alongside Brent Burns, who will be honored before puck drop for reaching 1,500 regular season games. Burns spent 246 games with Carolina before signing with Colorado in free agency during the summer, making this an emotional homecoming of sorts. His booming shot from the point remains a weapon on the power play, though both teams have struggled mightily with the man advantage—Colorado ranks 30th at 11.5% while Carolina sits 31st at just 8.5%).
The third pairing consists of Ilya Solovyov and Sam Malinski, providing depth that allows Colorado to weather the absence of Girard. This depth has been critical to the Avalanche’s perfect start in terms of avoiding regulation losses, giving them flexibility in matchups and special teams deployment.
In goal, Scott Wedgewood has been nothing short of sensational. Starting every game in Blackwood’s absence, Wedgewood has posted a .927 save percentage and 1.84 goals against average through seven appearances. His performance has been a revelation for Colorado, providing elite goaltending that allows the team’s offensive firepower to flourish. Wedgewood’s ability to make timely saves while handling the workload of a full-time starter will be tested once again against Carolina’s potent attack.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Special teams and key matchups
Both teams enter this contest with surprisingly anemic power plays despite their early season success. Colorado’s 11.5% conversion rate ranks 30th in the NHL, while Carolina’s 8.5% sits dead last at 31st. These struggles seem incongruous given the offensive talent both rosters possess, but they represent genuine concerns that could determine playoff success down the line.
Carolina’s power play units for tonight feature a top group of Aho, Blake, Ehlers, and Jarvis with Miller at the point—a configuration designed to maximize shooting and passing options. The second unit will deploy Hall, Kotkaniemi, Stankoven, and Svechnikov with Walker manning the blue line. According to the Hurricanes’ official lineup release, Kotkaniemi’s addition to this group represents a tactical adjustment aimed at jumpstarting the struggling man advantage.
The key individual matchup to watch involves how Carolina’s depleted defense corps handles MacKinnon’s line. With two rookie defensemen in the lineup and missing their top shutdown defender in Slavin, the Hurricanes will need exceptional team defense and active sticks to limit quality chances. MacKinnon’s ability to attack off the rush and create space with his skating presents challenges that require perfect positioning and communication.
Another critical element involves Jarvis’s ability to continue his historic start. His four game-winning goals through five games represents an unprecedented achievement, and his knack for delivering in crucial moments could prove decisive in what projects to be a tight, competitive game. Whether he can extend his point streak to seven games against Wedgewood’s hot hand will significantly impact Carolina’s offensive output.
The goaltending matchup, regardless of whether Andersen or Bussi gets the nod for Carolina, represents a fascinating contrast. Wedgewood has been spectacular but faces his heaviest test against a Hurricanes team that generates high-danger chances at an elite rate. If Bussi starts, it would mark his most challenging assignment to date after victories over two teams outside the playoff picture. The Avalanche’s defensive structure will aim to limit second-chance opportunities and force Carolina to beat Wedgewood with initial shots.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Colorado Avalanche projected lineup October 23, 2025: Historical context and stakes
This matchup carries weight beyond simple standings implications. Colorado’s quest to reach eight games without a regulation loss to start the season would represent just the third time in franchise history—including the Quebec Nordiques era—that such a feat has been accomplished. That historical context adds pressure and motivation for an Avalanche team that views itself as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Carolina, meanwhile, could join the New Jersey Devils as the only teams with six wins through their first seven games with a victory. The Hurricanes have established themselves as perennial contenders in recent seasons, but overcoming significant defensive injuries while maintaining their winning ways would send a powerful message about their depth and resilience.
The emotional elements surrounding former teammates and the throwback jersey night create an atmosphere that transcends typical regular season contests. Necas and Drury both expressed mixed emotions about facing their former organization, with Necas spending his entire professional career in the Hurricanes system before the trade. These reunions often produce memorable performances as players naturally elevate their intensity against familiar faces.
The 9:00 PM Eastern start time means this game concludes Carolina’s challenging mountain swing before heading to Dallas on Saturday. Road fatigue could factor into the final period if the game remains tight, though the Hurricanes have shown excellent conditioning and depth all season. Colorado’s home ice advantage at altitude, combined with their passionate fan base energized by the Nordiques throwback night, creates an intimidating environment for visiting teams.
As puck drop approaches at Ball Arena, both teams recognize this game provides valuable measuring stick moments. For Carolina, proving they can overcome defensive adversity against elite competition validates their championship credentials. For Colorado, extending their point streak while integrating new pieces like Necas and maintaining defensive structure against one of the league’s best offensive teams demonstrates their evolution into a complete contender. The stage is set for a Thursday night thriller that should showcase playoff-caliber intensity and skill.
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.