The Detroit Red Wings enter the Honda Center on Halloween night riding a wave of confidence and momentum, carrying an impressive 8-3-0 record into their matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks themselves have been no slouch to start the season, posting a solid 5-3-1 mark and showing signs of a team ready to compete in the Pacific Division. This Friday night clash promises intrigue beyond the typical Western Conference showdown, as former Ducks goaltender John Gibson prepares to face his old team for the first time since his departure. With both squads dealing with injury concerns but maintaining strong early-season form, the red wings vs ducks projected lineup october 31 2025 reveals fascinating storylines and tactical adjustments that could determine the outcome of this 10 p.m. ET encounter.
The Red Wings arrive in Anaheim fresh off a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings, showcasing their resilience after surrendering a two-goal lead late in the third period. Meanwhile, the Ducks welcome back key contributor Chris Kreider after a four-game absence due to illness, adding another dimension to their already potent offensive attack. Both teams enter this Halloween matchup with questions about lineup depth and how injuries will impact their deployment strategies.
Red Wings forward lines feature key absences and adjustments
The Detroit Red Wings forward group for October 31, 2025, reflects both the team’s impressive depth and the challenges posed by Patrick Kane’s upper-body injury. The top line remains intact with Emmitt Finnie joining captain Dylan Larkin and the electrifying Lucas Raymond, a trio that has generated consistent offensive pressure throughout the early season. This combination provides a blend of speed, skill, and hockey intelligence that has troubled opposing defenses game after game.
The second line showcases the Red Wings’ investment in balanced scoring, with Alex DeBrincat flanking young center Marco Kasper alongside Mason Appleton. DeBrincat’s proven goal-scoring ability combined with Kasper’s developing two-way game creates a formidable second unit capable of matching up against top competition. Kasper’s emergence as a reliable presence in the middle six has been one of Detroit’s pleasant surprises early in the campaign.
Detroit’s third line features Andrew Copp centering J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren, a checking unit with offensive upside. This group provides the Red Wings with defensive responsibility while maintaining the ability to capitalize on scoring chances created through tenacious forechecking. Berggren’s creativity and playmaking complement the more straightforward games of Copp and Compher.
The fourth line brings a physical element with Elmer Soderblom, Michael Rasmussen, and Austin Watson forming a unit built for energy and momentum shifts. Watson’s recall from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League speaks to the Red Wings’ need for roster flexibility with Kane sidelined. This line’s primary function centers on wearing down opposing defensemen and protecting leads late in games. The absence of James van Riemsdyk as a healthy scratch indicates head coach Derek Lalonde’s preference for youth and speed over veteran experience on this particular night, particularly after St. Louis Blues vs Detroit Red Wings projected lineup October 25, 2025 showcased similar tactical adjustments.
Detroit’s defensive corps balances youth and experience
Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider continue their development as Detroit’s top defensive pairing, representing the future cornerstone of the Red Wings’ blue line. Seider’s Calder Trophy-winning pedigree combined with Edvinsson’s size and skating ability gives Detroit a shutdown duo capable of handling the opposition’s best offensive players. Their chemistry has improved steadily throughout the early portion of the season, with Seider’s veteran presence at just 24 years old guiding the younger Edvinsson.
Ben Chiarot anchors the second pairing alongside highly-touted prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka, providing a fascinating blend of veteran steadiness and youthful offensive flair. Chiarot’s physicality and defensive zone coverage allow Sandin-Pellikka freedom to activate offensively and contribute to the rush. This partnership represents the Red Wings’ commitment to developing young talent while maintaining competitive structure.
The third pairing features Albert Johansson alongside Jacob Bernard-Docker, both players working to establish themselves as reliable NHL defensemen. This duo handles primarily sheltered minutes and provides depth that becomes crucial over the grueling 82-game schedule. Their ability to move the puck efficiently and avoid costly mistakes in their own zone will be tested against Anaheim’s speed.
Travis Hamonic’s healthy scratch suggests the Red Wings prefer mobility and puck-moving ability on this night against a Ducks team that thrives on transition play. The defensive group overall must balance supporting the attack while remaining responsible in coverage, particularly against Anaheim’s dangerous young forwards.
Gibson returns to face former franchise in emotional homecoming
John Gibson’s start against Anaheim carries significant emotional weight as he faces the organization where he spent the majority of his NHL career. The veteran netminder has settled into his role with Detroit, providing the tandem goaltending the Red Wings envisioned when they acquired him. Gibson’s familiarity with many Ducks players and their tendencies could provide Detroit with a tactical advantage, though the emotional component of facing former teammates cuts both ways.
Cam Talbot serves as Gibson’s backup, giving the Red Wings a solid veteran presence between the pipes regardless of who starts. The tandem approach has allowed both goaltenders to remain fresh while competing for starts, a healthy dynamic that benefits the team overall. Gibson’s track record of strong performances in emotional situations suggests he’ll be ready for the challenge of facing his former club.
The goaltending situation represents one of the Red Wings’ greatest improvements from previous seasons, providing stability that allows the team to play with confidence in tight games. Gibson’s positioning and ability to control rebounds will be tested against a Ducks offense featuring several players he practiced with extensively during his time in Anaheim.
Ducks forward group welcomes Kreider’s return to the lineup
The Anaheim Ducks’ top line features Chris Kreider’s return from a four-game illness absence alongside Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry, immediately upgrading the team’s offensive firepower. Kreider’s veteran presence and net-front prowess complement Carlsson’s playmaking vision and Terry’s goal-scoring touch, creating a balanced first line capable of generating sustained pressure. Kreider’s ability to screen goaltenders and capitalize on rebounds makes him particularly dangerous in the home ice environment of Honda Center.
Mason McTavish centers a highly skilled second line between Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke, showcasing the Ducks’ impressive collection of young talent. This trio represents Anaheim’s future, with each player bringing unique skills that mesh effectively. McTavish’s two-way game anchors the line while Gauthier’s shot and Sennecke’s creativity provide offensive punch. The development of this unit parallels some of the combinations seen in Ducks vs Lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL: complete matchup preview where Anaheim’s youth movement was on full display.
The third line combines veteran savvy with Frank Vatrano and Alex Killorn flanking Ryan Poehling, providing the Ducks with a checking unit that can also contribute offensively. Vatrano’s speed and shooting ability keep opposing defenses honest while Killorn’s championship pedigree from his Tampa Bay days brings playoff experience. Poehling’s responsible center ice play allows his wingers freedom to create.
Anaheim’s fourth line features Ross Johnston, Nikita Nesterenko, and Sam Colangelo, an energy unit tasked with momentum shifts and physical play. This group must bring intensity and wear down Detroit’s defensemen through forechecking and cycle play. The healthy scratch of Jansen Harkins indicates the coaching staff’s preference for this particular combination against Detroit’s lineup configuration.
Anaheim’s blue line manages injuries to key veterans
Jackson LaCombe and Drew Helleson form the Ducks’ top pairing, a young duo that has exceeded expectations early in the season. Their combination of mobility and defensive awareness provides Anaheim with a reliable shutdown pair capable of transitioning the puck efficiently. LaCombe’s hockey sense complements Helleson’s physical presence, creating a well-rounded partnership.
Olen Zellweger skates alongside veteran Jacob Trouba on the second pairing, pairing a skilled offensive defenseman with a physical, defensive-minded partner. Zellweger’s ability to quarterback the power play and jump into the rush gives Anaheim another offensive weapon from the back end. Trouba’s experience and physical presence provide the structure that allows Zellweger to take calculated risks.
Pavel Mintyukov and Ian Moore round out the defensive group as the third pairing, handling sheltered minutes while continuing their NHL development. The absence of Radko Gudas due to a lower-body injury removes significant veteran leadership and physical presence from the lineup, though the injury designation as day-to-day provides hope for his return soon. Ryan Strome and Mikael Granlund also remain sidelined with their respective injuries, testing Anaheim’s organizational depth.
The defensive corps must compensate for Gudas’ absence by playing structured, disciplined hockey while avoiding costly turnovers against Detroit’s transition game. The relative youth of this blue line means communication and positioning become even more critical in preventing odd-man rushes.
Goaltending matchup features Dostal’s emerging talent
Lukas Dostal is projected to start for Anaheim, giving the Ducks their most consistent netminder through the early portion of the season. The young Czech goaltender has shown impressive maturity and technical proficiency, establishing himself as a legitimate number-one option. His positioning and ability to track pucks through traffic will be tested against a Red Wings team capable of generating quality scoring chances from multiple lines.
Petr Mrazek provides veteran insurance as Dostal’s backup, bringing championship experience and familiarity with pressure situations. The Czech tandem gives Anaheim confidence regardless of who starts, though Dostal’s recent performances suggest he’ll get the nod on this Halloween night. Mrazek’s knowledge of facing former teams—having played for several NHL franchises—could provide perspective for Dostal if needed.
The goaltending duel between Gibson and Dostal adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup, with both netminders having Anaheim connections. Dostal’s development into a legitimate starter represents a bright spot in the Ducks’ organizational trajectory, providing the foundation necessary for sustainable success. His ability to remain calm and controlled even when facing adversity has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Tactical considerations and special teams impact
The red wings vs ducks projected lineup october 31 2025 suggests both teams will emphasize speed and transition play, with defensive structure paramount. Detroit’s power play has shown improvement early in the season, relying on Larkin, Raymond, and DeBrincat to generate the bulk of scoring chances. The absence of Kane removes a key power-play weapon, forcing adjustments in set plays and zone entries. Sandin-Pellikka’s offensive instincts from the point could see increased power-play deployment as the coaching staff searches for production.
Anaheim’s penalty kill must be sharp against Detroit’s skilled attackers, using aggressive forechecking to disrupt zone entries and limit time with possession. The Ducks’ power play benefits from Kreider’s return, adding a net-front presence that creates chaos and screening opportunities. Terry and Carlsson provide the skill to make plays from the perimeter while Kreider does the dirty work around the crease.
Both teams enter this game having shown discipline in avoiding penalties, suggesting special teams may play a limited but potentially decisive role. The team that capitalizes on its power-play opportunities while limiting odd-man rushes against could tilt the game in its favor. Face-off efficiency in the defensive zone becomes critical, with Larkin and McTavish representing their respective teams’ most reliable options in the circle.
Coaching adjustments throughout the game will test both benches’ ability to adapt tactically. Line matching and deployment strategies could determine which depth players make the biggest impact. The home ice advantage provides Anaheim with last change, allowing their coaches to optimize matchups and potentially shelter younger players from Detroit’s top lines.
The final minutes of periods often dictate momentum in tightly contested games, making late-period execution critical for both squads. Detroit’s recent history of surrendering late leads suggests they must maintain focus throughout the full 60 minutes, while Anaheim seeks to capitalize on any defensive lapses the Red Wings might experience late in periods.
This Halloween night matchup between the Red Wings and Ducks promises competitive hockey featuring two teams exceeding early-season expectations. The red wings vs ducks projected lineup october 31 2025 showcases the blend of youth and experience both organizations have cultivated, with Detroit’s 8-3-0 record reflecting their strong start while Anaheim’s 5-3-1 mark demonstrates their competitive potential. Gibson’s emotional return to face his former team adds compelling drama to an already intriguing Western Conference battle.
The outcome could hinge on special teams execution, goaltending performance, and which team better manages the absence of key players. Detroit must compensate for Patrick Kane’s offensive production while Anaheim navigates life without Gudas’ defensive presence and physical edge. Both teams possess the depth and talent to secure victory, setting the stage for an entertaining contest under the bright lights of Honda Center. As the season progresses, games like this one help define trajectory and build the confidence necessary for playoff pushes, making every point crucial in the competitive landscape of the NHL.
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.