Ducks vs Lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL: complete matchup preview

The Anaheim Ducks arrive at Benchmark International Arena on Saturday evening carrying momentum from a solid 4-2-1 start to the season, while the Tampa Bay Lightning desperately search for answers amid a troubling 1-4-2 beginning to their campaign. This clash on October 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET represents more than just a regular-season encounter—it’s a potential turning point for both franchises heading in opposite directions. The Lightning, winless at home with an 0-3-0 record at Amalie Arena this season, face a Ducks squad that has found surprising success on the road during their five-game trip.

The contrast between these two teams couldn’t be starker. While Anaheim’s young core continues to develop ahead of schedule, Tampa Bay’s veteran-laden roster struggles to recapture the magic that made them perennial Stanley Cup contenders. According to NHL.com’s official game preview, both teams will ice lineups featuring key absences, making this ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL matchup even more intriguing from a tactical standpoint.

Ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL: Anaheim’s forward lines

The Anaheim Ducks will deploy a balanced four-line attack that showcases their blend of youth and experience. The top line features the electrifying Cutter Gauthier alongside sophomore sensation Leo Carlsson and veteran Alex Killorn. Gauthier, who has adapted seamlessly to the NHL game, provides speed and finishing ability on the left wing, while Carlsson continues to establish himself as the franchise centerpiece.

Carlsson’s emergence has been one of the NHL’s best stories this season. The second overall pick from the 2023 draft is currently tied for the team lead with eight points through seven games, building on a strong finish to his rookie campaign where he posted 26 points in just 28 games following the All-Star break. His chemistry with linemates has been palpable, and his two-way awareness has impressed coaching staff.

The second line combines Frank Vatrano’s scoring touch with Mason McTavish’s physical presence and rookie Beckett Sennecke’s playmaking vision. This trio gives Anaheim a genuine second scoring threat, with Vatrano bringing established NHL finishing while McTavish enters his third season looking to take another developmental step forward. Sennecke, one of the Ducks’ most recent first-round selections, has earned his spot with strong preseason and early-season performances.

Mikael Granlund anchors the third line between Nikita Nesterenko and Troy Terry. Granlund, who shares the team lead with eight points, has been instrumental in the Ducks’ strong start, providing veteran stability and consistent offensive production. Terry, once considered Anaheim’s best forward, now thrives in a complementary role where he can focus on defensive responsibility while still contributing offensively. The fourth line of Ross Johnston, Ryan Poehling, and Sam Colangelo rounds out the forward group with energy and physicality.

Tampa Bay’s offensive configuration in ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL

The Lightning counter with their trademark top-heavy approach, loading their first line with three elite talents: Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, and Nikita Kucherov. This combination represents arguably the most dangerous offensive trio in the NHL when firing on all cylinders. Guentzel leads Tampa Bay with 12 points through seven games, including four goals and eight assists, while Kucherov has added eight points of his own despite the team’s struggles.

The concern for Tampa Bay extends beyond their first line, however. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli center the second unit alongside Pontus Holmberg, replacing the injured Nick Paul. Hagel and Yanni Gourde both missed Friday’s practice due to body maintenance, though both are expected to suit up. This disruption to preparation could prove costly against a well-coached Ducks team.

Oliver Bjorkstrand finds himself on the third line with Dominic James and Gage Goncalves, a significant deployment for a player with top-six capabilities. The fourth line welcomes Zemgus Girgensons for his season debut alongside Gourde and Mitchell Chaffee. Girgensons’ insertion provides fresh legs and defensive responsibility, addressing one of Tampa Bay’s early-season weaknesses. The Lightning have struggled to generate secondary scoring behind their elite first line, putting enormous pressure on Point, Kucherov, and Guentzel to carry the offensive load every night.

According to The Hockey Writers’ lineup analysis, Tampa Bay’s forward depth has been tested by injuries to Paul and inconsistent performances from depth players. The lack of morning skate for Anaheim suggests confidence in their current lineup configuration, while Tampa Bay’s lineup adjustments reflect their ongoing search for combinations that work.

Defensive pairings analysis for ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL

Anaheim’s blue line features an intriguing mix of mobility and physicality. The top pairing of Jackson LaCombe and Drew Helleson combines two young defensemen who have embraced expanded roles this season. LaCombe, entering his second full NHL campaign, has shown steady improvement in his decision-making and transition game. Helleson provides a complementary physical presence and shot-blocking willingness.

The second pairing showcases two of the Ducks’ most exciting defensive prospects. Olen Zellweger, known for his exceptional skating and offensive instincts, partners with the newly acquired Jacob Trouba. This trade deadline acquisition from the Rangers brought championship experience and defensive acumen to a young Anaheim roster. Trouba’s physical style meshes well with Zellweger’s finesse-based approach, creating a well-rounded second unit.

The third pairing of Pavel Mintyukov and captain Radko Gudas combines youth with veteran leadership. Gudas, one of the league’s most respected defensive defensemen, mentors Mintyukov while providing punishing hits and penalty-killing expertise. This pairing handles the heavy lifting in the defensive zone, allowing Anaheim’s more offensive-minded defensemen to take calculated risks.

Tampa Bay’s defensive corps, led by perennial Norris Trophy candidate Victor Hedman, pairs the Swedish star with J.J. Moser. Hedman remains one of hockey’s premier two-way defensemen, but at this stage of his career, the demands of carrying significant ice time have become more taxing. The second pairing of Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak provides veteran stability and playoff experience, though both have shown signs of declining mobility. Emil Lilleberg and Darren Raddysh round out the third pairing, with Max Crozier sidelined by a lower-body injury limiting Tampa Bay’s defensive depth.

Goaltending matchup in ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL

The crease battle represents one of the most compelling elements of this matchup. Anaheim enters with a tandem of Petr Mrazek and Lukas Dostal, both of whom have provided quality starts during the team’s strong beginning. Mrazek, the veteran addition, brings Stanley Cup experience and has served as an excellent mentor for the younger Dostal. The decision on which goaltender starts may not be revealed until warmups, given the Ducks’ lack of morning skate.

Dostal’s development has accelerated beyond even optimistic projections. His calm demeanor and technical proficiency have earned him the trust of coaches and teammates alike. When called upon, he’s demonstrated the ability to steal games with timely saves. Mrazek’s experience proves valuable in back-to-back situations and provides insurance should Dostal face fatigue during the grueling NHL schedule.

Tampa Bay counters with their future Hall of Fame goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, backed up by Jonas Johansson. Vasilevskiy has been the Lightning’s most consistent performer during their difficult start, but even his elite goaltending can’t fully compensate for defensive breakdowns and inconsistent offensive support beyond the top line. His career statistics against Anaheim remain excellent, but the current Lightning defensive structure has left him more exposed than in previous seasons.

The goaltending edge typically favors Tampa Bay given Vasilevskiy’s proven excellence, but his workload and the team’s defensive struggles have created more high-danger chances against than he’s accustomed to facing. If the Ducks can generate quality opportunities and force Vasilevskiy to make difficult saves early, they may be able to solve the two-time Stanley Cup champion.

Injury report and lineup changes for ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL

Anaheim enters Saturday’s contest without several key contributors. Jansen Harkins remains sidelined with an upper-body injury, while Ryan Strome’s absence removes another veteran presence from the lineup. Perhaps most surprisingly, Chris Kreider is listed as day-to-day with an illness, though his presence on the injury report may be administrative given potential trade discussions.

The Ducks’ depth has been tested throughout this road trip, yet they’ve continued to collect points. The next-man-up mentality has permeated the locker room, with younger players embracing expanded opportunities. The absence of a morning skate suggests head coach Greg Cronin feels confident in the lineup that has produced results, though he maintains the flexibility to make changes during warmups if needed.

Tampa Bay’s injury situation appears slightly less concerning in terms of sheer numbers, but the impact is significant. Nick Paul’s upper-body injury removes a crucial depth forward who provides both offensive production and defensive reliability. Max Crozier’s lower-body ailment limits defensive depth options. The body maintenance days for Hagel and Gourde, while not resulting in absences, do indicate the physical toll of the early season schedule.

Jack Finley, Charle-Edouard D’Astous, and Curtis Douglas all find themselves as healthy scratches, providing some depth should late changes become necessary. The return of Girgensons adds a defensive-minded forward who can help shore up Tampa Bay’s struggling penalty kill and provide physicality against Anaheim’s younger forwards.

Special teams dynamics and tactical considerations

Special teams performance could ultimately decide this ducks vs lightning projected lineup October 25 2025 NHL matchup. Tampa Bay’s power play, historically one of the league’s most dangerous, has shown flashes of its lethal potential but lacks the consistency that defined Lightning teams of the past few seasons. The first unit featuring Kucherov, Point, Guentzel, Hedman, and Hagel possesses enough talent to score in bunches, but execution has been inconsistent.

Anaheim’s penalty kill has exceeded expectations through the early portion of the season. Aggressive forechecking and smart positioning have frustrated opposing power plays, though facing Tampa Bay’s talent level presents a significant step up in difficulty. The Ducks’ ability to clear their zone efficiently and generate short-handed chances has kept opponents honest and prevented sustained offensive zone time.

On the flip side, the Lightning’s penalty kill has struggled mightily, ranking near the bottom of the league in success rate. This vulnerability presents a golden opportunity for Anaheim’s power play, which features skilled puck-movers in Carlsson, Terry, and the defensive units. If the Ducks can draw penalties through their speed and puck possession, they may find opportunities to extend their lead or claw back into the game depending on flow.

Tactical adjustments will prove crucial as both coaches attempt to exploit matchup advantages. Cronin’s ability to shelter his younger players while maximizing their offensive opportunities has been impressive, while Lightning head coach Jon Cooper faces the challenge of spreading ice time effectively to keep his stars fresh while generating secondary scoring. The battles between lines and defensive pairings will determine which system prevails.

What this game means for both franchises moving forward

For the Anaheim Ducks, this game represents another opportunity to prove their early-season success is sustainable. Winning on the road against quality opponents builds confidence and establishes identity. A victory would push their record to 5-2-1 and cement their position as one of the Western Conference’s surprise contenders. More importantly, it would demonstrate that the rebuild has accelerated beyond even optimistic projections.

The continued development of Carlsson, Zellweger, McTavish, and other young core pieces remains paramount. Each game provides valuable experience and helps establish the competitive culture necessary for long-term success. The veterans like Gudas, Killorn, and Trouba provide the leadership foundation while the youth supplies the energy and skill. Finding the right balance between these elements will define Anaheim’s season trajectory.

Tampa Bay faces far more urgent concerns. Starting the season 1-4-2, including an 0-3-0 home record, creates early pressure and raises questions about whether this roster can compete for another championship. The Lightning have publicly stated their intention to contend during the remaining years of their core’s prime, but early struggles have amplified doubts. A loss would drop them to 1-5-2 and potentially spark more dramatic roster changes.

Beyond wins and losses, the Lightning must rediscover their defensive identity. The championship teams of 2020 and 2021 built their success on structured defensive play and timely goaltending. This season’s version has been too easy to play against, allowing quality chances and failing to protect Vasilevskiy adequately. A strong performance against Anaheim—win or lose—demonstrating renewed commitment to defensive principles would signal that adjustments are taking hold. The pressure is mounting in Tampa Bay, and Saturday’s game against a young, hungry Ducks team provides either a springboard for recovery or confirmation that deeper issues plague the franchise.