The Dallas Stars bring their Central Division-leading record into Calgary for a Saturday night showdown against the reeling Flames on November 22, 2025. With puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Saddledome, both teams are expected to ice identical lineups from their most recent contests. The Stars enter with a commanding 13-5-3 record and 29 points, while the Flames sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division at 6-13-3 with just 15 points.
This matchup represents a tale of two trajectories for franchises with contrasting early-season fortunes. Dallas continues to demonstrate why many consider them legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, riding strong goaltending and balanced scoring. Meanwhile, Calgary searches for consistency amid a frustrating campaign that has seen them struggle to generate offense and keep pucks out of their own net. The projected lineups reveal interesting storylines on both sides, from emerging young talent to veteran players fighting through injury adversity.
Dallas Stars projected lineup November 22 2025: Forwards
The Stars forward group showcases remarkable depth and versatility, anchored by a top line that has been clicking since being assembled. Sam Steel centers the first line between Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen, giving Dallas a potent combination of playmaking, speed, and elite finishing ability. This trio has developed impressive chemistry, with Johnston’s two-way game complementing Rantanen’s scoring touch and Steel’s vision.
Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Tyler Seguin form a second line that would be a top unit on many NHL teams. Robertson’s power-forward presence and lethal shot make him a constant threat, while Hintz’s speed through the neutral zone creates transition opportunities. Seguin, now in a more complementary role, has embraced his veteran leadership responsibilities while still contributing offensively.
The third line features an intriguing mix of youth and developing chemistry with Oskar Back between Justin Hryckowian and Mavrik Bourque. This line has provided valuable energy minutes and has been responsible defensively, allowing head coach Pete DeBoer to roll four lines with confidence. Jamie Benn, Radek Faksa, and Colin Blackwell round out the forward corps as a physical fourth line capable of grinding down opponents and contributing timely offense.
Dallas Stars projected lineup November 22 2025: Defense and goaltending
Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell continue to anchor the Stars’ top defensive pairing, logging heavy minutes in all situations. Heiskanen’s elite skating and puck-moving ability make him the engine of Dallas’ breakout, while Lindell’s steady, defensive-first approach provides the perfect complement. This pairing has been instrumental in Dallas ranking among the league’s best in goals against.
The second pairing features Lian Bichsel alongside Alexander Petrovic, giving the Stars a nice blend of size and physicality. Bichsel, the 6-foot-5 Swiss defender, has shown steady improvement in his sophomore season, using his reach effectively and making smarter decisions with the puck. Petrovic brings veteran experience and a rugged edge that makes life difficult for opposing forwards.
Vladislav Kolyachonok and Kyle Capobianco comprise the third pairing, providing reliable depth minutes and allowing the top four to get appropriate rest. This pairing has been solid in sheltered minutes and has contributed offensively on occasion. In goal, Casey DeSmith gets the start after an impressive performance against Vancouver, with Jake Oettinger providing elite insurance as one of the league’s best backups.
Calgary Flames projected lineup November 22 2025: Forwards
The Flames’ forward group has been in flux throughout the season as head coach Ryan Huska searches for combinations that can generate consistent offense. Jonathan Huberdeau, Morgan Frost, and Matt Coronato draw top-line duty, though this unit has struggled to produce at expected levels. Huberdeau’s $10.5 million cap hit puts immense pressure on him to perform, but the playmaking winger has found goals hard to come by this season.
Nazem Kadri centers the second line between Yegor Sharangovich and Joel Farabee, with Farabee coming off a two-goal performance against Buffalo. Kadri brings the edge and two-way responsibility that Huska values, while Sharangovich has been one of Calgary’s more consistent offensive threats. This line represents Calgary’s best chance at generating even-strength offense against a stingy Stars defense.
Mikael Backlund anchors the third line with Connor Zary and Blake Coleman, providing a responsible defensive presence and veteran leadership. Backlund’s line often draws tough matchup assignments, freeing up the top six for more favorable zone starts. The fourth line features John Beecher, Sam Morton, and Adam Klapka, with Klapka’s size and physicality making him a fan favorite despite limited offensive production.
Calgary Flames projected lineup November 22 2025: Defense and goaltending
Rasmus Andersson and Kevin Bahl form Calgary’s top defensive pairing, with Andersson shouldering massive minutes and quarterbacking the power play. The alternate captain has been vocal about the team’s need for greater consistency, leading by example with his work ethic. Bahl’s 6-foot-6 frame makes him an imposing presence, though his foot speed has been tested against quicker Western Conference opponents.
MacKenzie Weegar pairs with young Russian defender Yan Kuznetsov on the second unit, giving Calgary a mobile pairing capable of joining the rush. Weegar’s offensive instincts have occasionally left the Flames vulnerable to counter-attacks, a concerning trend against a transition team like Dallas. Jake Bean and Brayden Pachal round out the defense as a third pairing that has shown flashes but lacks consistency.
In goal, Devin Cooley gets his second consecutive start, a vote of confidence from Huska after a solid performance against Buffalo. The 27-year-old netminder has been thrust into action due to injuries and has performed admirably, though his .904 save percentage reflects the quality chances Calgary routinely surrenders. Dustin Wolf waits as backup, providing a potential spark with his athleticism if needed.
Key matchups and injury impact for Stars vs Flames November 22 2025
The battle between Dallas’ top line and Calgary’s defensive structure will determine much of this game’s outcome. Wyatt Johnston’s speed through the neutral zone could exploit Calgary’s gaps, while Mikko Rantanen’s shot presents a constant threat on the power play. The Flames must stay disciplined, as Dallas’ man-advantage units rank among the league’s most efficient.
On the injury front, Dallas continues to manage a lengthy list of walking wounded. Matt Duchene’s participation in morning skate offers hope for a return soon, but he remains sidelined along with Adam Erne, Nils Lundkvist, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Thomas Harley. The Stars’ ability to maintain their strong start despite these absences speaks to their organizational depth and systems play.
For Calgary, the loss of Samuel Honzek for the remainder of the season represents a significant blow. The promising forward underwent surgery Thursday after suffering an upper-body injury against Winnipeg on November 15. His absence further thins Calgary’s forward depth and underscores the injury challenges both teams have faced early in the campaign.
What the projected lineups mean for Stars vs Flames November 22 2025
The projected lineups reveal a significant talent disparity between these conference foes. Dallas rolls out four lines capable of contributing offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility, a luxury Calgary simply doesn’t possess. Dallas’ ability to generate offense from their blue line, particularly through Heiskanen and Bichsel, contrasts sharply with Calgary’s more limited defensive production.
Special teams could tell the story in this matchup. Dallas’ power play operates at over 25 percent efficiency, while Calgary’s penalty kill has been porous, ranking in the bottom third of the league. Conversely, the Flames’ power play has underperformed despite featuring talented players like Huberdeau and Kadri, converting at just 18 percent.
The goaltending matchup favors Dallas significantly. DeSmith has been solid in relief duty, while Oettinger represents one of the league’s elite netminders. Cooley’s feel-good story in Calgary has been admirable, but the Flames’ goaltending situation reflects deeper organizational issues that won’t be solved overnight.
Strategic implications and forward-looking analysis
Dallas enters this contest as heavy favorites, and rightfully so. Their structured, systematic approach has proven effective against teams like Calgary that struggle with possession and territorial play. DeBoer’s system prioritizes limiting high-danger chances while capitalizing on opponent mistakes, a formula that should serve the Stars well against a Flames squad prone to defensive lapses.
For Calgary, this game represents another opportunity to evaluate their roster construction and identify pieces for the future. With the trade deadline still months away, performances against elite competition like Dallas will inform general manager Craig Conroy’s decisions. Young players like Matt Coronato and Connor Zary need these reps against top competition to accelerate their development.
The standings implications are clear: Dallas can extend their lead in the Central Division with a victory, while Calgary desperately needs points to climb out of the Pacific Division basement. However, the Flames’ focus should remain on process over results, building habits that will serve them better when their roster is healthier and more complete.
The Dallas Stars visit the Calgary Flames on November 22, 2025, bringing contrasting seasons and expectations to the Scotiabank Saddledome ice. With Dallas entering as clear favorites based on their superior record, depth, and goaltending, the Flames face an uphill battle. Calgary must find ways to generate offense against one of the league’s stingiest defensive teams while limiting transition chances against the Stars’ dangerous forward group. For Dallas, this represents an opportunity to bank points against a struggling opponent and maintain their position atop the Central Division standings. The projected lineups suggest a mismatch on paper, but the Flames hope their home crowd and desperation for a turnaround performance can level the playing field. As both teams navigate injury challenges and early-season adversity, this matchup offers valuable insight into each organization’s trajectory heading toward the holiday season and beyond.
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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.