The Anaheim Ducks enter Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday night looking to snap a difficult stretch as they face the Florida Panthers in what promises to be an emotionally charged matchup. For the Panthers, this game marks a significant moment as former bench boss Joel Quenneville returns to Sunrise for the first time since his resignation in October 2021. The defending Stanley Cup champions sit at 5-5-0 and are looking to build momentum at home, where they’ve won four of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Ducks conclude a challenging five-game road trip with a 4-3-1 record, showing resilience despite mounting injury concerns.
The storylines surrounding this game extend beyond the on-ice action. Quenneville’s return adds intrigue to the contest, as nine current Panthers players, including Cole Schwindt, have played under the Hall of Fame coach. Both teams are navigating significant injury challenges, with Florida missing star players Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, while Anaheim copes without Ryan Strome, Radko Gudas, and the recently injured Mikael Granlund, who could miss three weeks with an upper-body injury sustained against Tampa Bay.
Ducks vs Panthers projected lineup October 28 2025: Anaheim’s forward combinations
The Ducks’ forward group features an intriguing blend of youth and experience as they navigate their injury situation. The top line will showcase second-year center Leo Carlsson between Nikita Nesterenko and Troy Terry, forming a unit that combines speed, skill, and hockey IQ. This trio has shown chemistry in recent games, with Terry serving as the veteran presence to guide the younger players through crucial moments.
The second line presents one of Anaheim’s most exciting combinations with the trio of Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke. All three are high draft picks who represent the future of the franchise. Gauthier, the former fifth overall selection, brings a powerful shot and net-front presence, while McTavish anchors the line with his two-way reliability. Sennecke, the Ducks’ most recent first-round selection, adds creativity and playmaking ability to the mix.
Veteran presence dominates the third line, where Ross Johnston, Ryan Poehling, and Alex Killorn will provide defensive stability and physical play. Killorn, who won two Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay, brings championship experience to a young roster. His ability to play in all situations makes him invaluable, especially on a road trip where matchups can be challenging.
The fourth line sees Frank Vatrano facing his former team, adding another emotional subplot to the evening. Jansen Harkins makes his season debut after recovering from an upper-body injury, joining Vatrano and Sam Colangelo on a unit that will need to provide energy and responsible defensive play. Harkins’ return provides depth down the middle, something the Ducks desperately need with Granlund sidelined. Much like the Ducks’ recent matchup against Tampa Bay, Anaheim will need contributions from throughout their lineup to compete with a Cup-caliber opponent.
Ducks vs Panthers projected lineup October 28 2025: Florida’s offensive attack without stars
The Panthers face a significantly different challenge than most expected at this stage of the season. Without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, Florida’s offensive structure requires creative solutions from coach Paul Maurice. The top line features Carter Verhaeghe, Evan Rodrigues, and Sam Reinhart, a trio that combines scoring ability with defensive awareness. Reinhart, coming off a career season, has seamlessly transitioned into an even larger role with the team’s top stars sidelined.
Anton Lundell centers the second line between Eetu Luostarinen and Mackie Samoskevich, forming a unit that emphasizes speed and puck possession. Lundell has been thrust into greater responsibility earlier than anticipated, but his mature game and 200-foot awareness make him well-suited for the challenge. Samoskevich, one of Florida’s top prospects, continues to impress with his offensive instincts and willingness to compete in traffic.
The third line brings Sam Bennett together with A.J. Greer and Jesper Boqvist, creating a physical, hard-to-play-against combination. Bennett remains one of the most effective playoff performers in recent memory, though Florida needs that intensity translated to the regular season as they try to find consistency. His ability to elevate his game in crucial moments makes him a wild card on any given night.
The fourth line undergoes significant changes with Brad Marchand away from the team due to a death within his family circle, and Jonah Gadjovich out with an upper-body injury. Noah Gregor makes his Panthers debut after dealing with visa issues, joining Cole Schwindt and Luke Kunin. This line will need to establish chemistry quickly, as depth scoring has been crucial to Florida’s success over the past two seasons. Gregor’s speed and penalty-killing ability should slot in nicely with the Panthers’ system, though asking a player to produce in his first game with a new team presents obvious challenges.
Ducks vs Panthers projected lineup October 28 2025: Defensive pairings and blue line strategies
Anaheim’s defensive corps shows a mix of rebuilding pieces and veteran additions. The top pair of Jackson LaCombe and Drew Helleson represents the team’s future on the blue line. LaCombe, acquired from Chicago, has shown steady development and will face a significant test against Florida’s offensive weapons. Helleson provides a physical element and has impressed with his improved decision-making with the puck.
The second pairing features rookie Olen Zellweger alongside veteran addition Jacob Trouba. This combination pairs one of the league’s most exciting young offensive defensemen with a hard-nosed, physical presence. Trouba’s experience and Stanley Cup pedigree provide valuable mentorship for Zellweger, who possesses elite skating ability and offensive instincts. Managing minutes against Florida’s depth will be crucial, as the Panthers excel at exploiting mismatches.
Pavel Mintyukov and Ian Moore round out the third pairing, forming the youngest and most inexperienced tandem. Mintyukov, a skilled puck-mover, must focus on defensive responsibility against a Panthers team that capitalizes on mistakes. Moore provides size and reach but will need to manage his gaps against Florida’s speed through the neutral zone. The absence of Radko Gudas removes a veteran steadying influence that this young group could desperately use.
Florida’s defensive structure looks considerably different from their championship roster. The top pair of Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad remains intact, providing elite two-way play and power-play quarterbacking ability. Forsling has emerged as one of the league’s most underrated defensemen, excelling in transition and defensive zone coverage. Ekblad, when healthy, remains a dominant force capable of controlling play at both ends of the ice.
The second pairing sees Niko Mikkola alongside Seth Jones, who joined the Panthers during the offseason. Jones brings offensive upside and championship experience from his time in Columbus and Chicago. His partnership with Mikkola, a physical, shot-blocking specialist, creates balance and allows Florida to roll two pairs capable of facing top competition. This depth becomes even more important with Dmitry Kulikov sidelined by a shoulder injury.
Uvis Balinskis and Jeff Petry form the third pairing, with both veterans capable of eating minutes when necessary. Petry’s experience spanning over 900 NHL games provides calm under pressure, while Balinskis has shown improvement in his second season with the organization. This pair will likely see favorable zone starts and matchups, allowing them to contribute offensively while managing defensive responsibilities. Similar to the challenges the Panthers faced against Pittsburgh earlier this month, Florida’s defensive depth will be tested as they continue to manage their injury situation.
Ducks vs Panthers projected lineup October 28 2025: Goaltending matchup and netminding strategies
Between the pipes, this game features a clash of contrasting goaltending situations. For Anaheim, Lukas Dostal gets the start after John Gibson shouldered a heavy workload through the road trip’s first four games. Dostal enters with a 2-3-1 record, posting a .899 save percentage and 3.02 goals-against average. While those numbers appear pedestrian, context matters—the young Czech netminder has faced challenging circumstances with a defensive corps still learning to play together.
Dostal’s athleticism and compete level make him a future building block for the Ducks franchise. His ability to make highlight-reel saves keeps Anaheim in games when they’re outplayed, though consistency remains an area for growth. Against a Panthers team that may lack their offensive stars but still possesses dangerous depth, Dostal will need to be sharp from the opening faceoff. His positioning has improved throughout the season, and he’ll need to track pucks through traffic against Florida’s active net-front presence.
The Ducks’ defensive structure in front of Dostal will emphasize limiting second-chance opportunities. Florida excels at generating offensive zone time and wearing down opponents with sustained pressure. Anaheim’s penalty kill, which has struggled at times this season, must stay disciplined to avoid giving the Panthers’ power play extended looks. Dostal’s ability to control rebounds and communicate with his defensemen becomes paramount in these situations.
For Florida, Daniil Tarasov makes his first home start of the season after appearing in two games during the Panthers’ recent road trip. Tarasov represents a calculated gamble by the Panthers’ front office, acquired as insurance for Sergei Bobrovsky after showing flashes of brilliance in Columbus. His performance in his first two starts has been solid if unspectacular, and establishing comfort at home becomes crucial for Florida’s goaltending depth.
Tarasov’s athletic style and quick reflexes suit Florida’s aggressive defensive system. The Panthers typically allow their defensemen to activate offensively, which can create odd-man rushes when plays break down. Tarasov must be prepared to face quality scoring chances, particularly from Anaheim’s young skill players who can punish mistakes in transition. His communication with a defensive corps still integrating Seth Jones will be essential.
The goaltending matchup favors Florida based on the team’s defensive structure and depth, but Dostal has shown the ability to steal games when given the opportunity. Both netminders face pressure—Tarasov to establish himself in his new organization, Dostal to prove he can be the franchise cornerstone Anaheim believes he can become. Special teams performance will likely dictate which goaltender receives better support, making discipline and execution in those situations paramount.
Key matchups and tactical considerations for October 28 clash
The center ice battle takes on added significance with both teams missing key pivots. Anton Lundell’s matchup against Leo Carlsson showcases two young centers built for the modern game. Lundell has proven himself in high-leverage situations during Florida’s playoff runs, while Carlsson represents the future of the Ducks franchise. Whoever controls this matchup likely tilts the game in their team’s favor, as both players drive possession and create scoring chances for their linemates.
Special teams excellence could determine the outcome in what projects as a tight, low-scoring affair. Florida’s power play, even without Barkov and Tkachuk, possesses dangerous weapons in Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe. Their ability to move pucks quickly and create seams challenges penalty killers who over-commit. Anaheim’s penalty kill must maintain structure and avoid chasing the play, easier said than done against a power play that completed a championship run.
The Ducks’ power play faces an equally daunting task against Florida’s aggressive penalty kill. The Panthers’ PK unit forces turnovers and creates shorthanded chances through pressure and active sticks. Anaheim must value puck possession and make the Panthers’ killers work, ideally generating some offensive zone time even if they don’t score. Momentum shifts on special teams often decide games between teams of disparate talent levels.
Physicality and board battles will favor the Panthers, who play a heavy, grinding style even with key players absent. The Ducks’ young defensemen must be prepared for consistent pressure along the walls and in front of the net. Anaheim’s ability to exit the defensive zone cleanly and avoid extended shifts in their own end becomes crucial. If Florida establishes momentum through sustained pressure, Dostal could face a barrage that even elite goaltending might not withstand.
Transition play represents Anaheim’s best path to victory. The Ducks’ speed through the neutral zone, led by players like Zellweger and Carlsson, can exploit Florida’s aggressive defensive posture. Quick breakouts and support through the middle of the ice create odd-man rushes that could overwhelm even experienced defenders. However, executing this strategy requires discipline—turnovers at the blue line against Florida typically result in high-danger chances the other way.
This matchup between the Ducks and Panthers offers compelling storylines beyond the standings. Joel Quenneville’s return to Sunrise provides emotional resonance, while both teams navigate injury situations that test their organizational depth. Florida’s home dominance suggests they should control play, but Anaheim’s young core has shown maturity beyond expectations throughout this road trip. The goaltending duel between Dostal and Tarasov could ultimately decide a game that projects as defensively structured and tightly contested.
For detailed game coverage and lineup information, fans can follow official NHL channels. Florida Hockey Now’s comprehensive preview provides additional context on the Panthers’ perspective. As puck drop approaches at 7 p.m. ET, both teams understand the importance of accumulating points during this early-season stretch. Florida looks to build on home success and establish consistency, while Anaheim hopes to salvage their road trip with a statement victory against the defending champions.
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.