Ducks vs Wild projected lineup preview for November 15, 2025

The Anaheim Ducks head to Saint Paul looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Detroit Red Wings when they face the Minnesota Wild on November 15, 2025. The Ducks, sitting at 11-5-1, have been one of the season’s surprise stories, but they’ll need to rediscover their winning formula against a Wild team that has struggled to find consistency at 7-7-4. With puck drop scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at Grand Casino Arena, both teams are dealing with injury concerns that could significantly impact the complexion of this Central Division matchup.

The projected lineups reveal intriguing storylines on both sides, with Anaheim benefiting from recent acquisitions and Minnesota managing a depleted roster. The Ducks’ top line featuring Chris Kreider alongside Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry presents a formidable challenge for Minnesota’s defense, while the Wild will counter with their own star power led by Kirill Kaprizov. This game could prove pivotal for both franchises as they navigate the early portion of the 2025-26 campaign.

Ducks vs Wild projected lineup November 15, 2025: Anaheim’s forward combinations

The Anaheim Ducks’ forward group showcases impressive depth with a blend of experience and emerging talent. Chris Kreider anchors the top line alongside rising star Leo Carlsson and the reliable Troy Terry. This trio has developed chemistry quickly since Kreider’s arrival, providing the Ducks with a legitimate scoring threat that can match up against any opponent’s best defenders. Carlsson, in particular, has taken another step forward in his development, serving as the playmaking hub for this line.

The second line features three promising young players in Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke. This group represents the future of the franchise, with Gauthier bringing speed and a dangerous shot, McTavish providing two-way reliability, and Sennecke adding skill and creativity. Their production has been inconsistent but trending upward, and they’ll face a crucial test against Joel Eriksson Ek’s checking line. Similar to their previous matchup against the Devils, the Ducks are banking on this youth movement to continue generating offense.

Anaheim’s third line of Nikita Nesterenko, Ryan Poehling, and Alex Killorn provides a solid two-way presence that can chip in offensively while playing responsible defensive hockey. Killorn’s veteran presence stabilizes this unit, while Nesterenko and Poehling bring energy and forechecking pressure. The fourth line combines Ryan Strome, Mikael Granlund, and Frank Vatrano, which is notably skilled for a bottom-six grouping and can exploit favorable matchups.

Head coach Greg Cronin has effectively utilized his forward depth throughout the season, rotating line combinations to keep opponents guessing. The absence of Radko Gudas due to a lower body injury could impact the team’s overall structure, but the forward lines remain intact and healthy. Sam Colangelo, Ross Johnston, and Jansen Harkins will be healthy scratches, providing fresh options if needed throughout the game.

Ducks vs Wild projected lineup November 15, 2025: Minnesota’s depleted forward corps

The Minnesota Wild enter this contest dealing with significant injury problems up front, most notably the week-to-week absence of Marco Rossi due to a lower body injury. Rossi had been a key contributor in the Wild’s middle-six, and his absence forces head coach John Hynes to shuffle his forward combinations. Nico Sturm also remains sidelined with a back issue, further limiting Minnesota’s center depth and penalty-killing options.

Despite the injuries, the Wild’s top line remains potent with Kirill Kaprizov, Ryan Hartman, and Mats Zuccarello. Kaprizov continues to be one of the NHL’s most dynamic offensive players, capable of single-handedly changing the momentum of a game. His combination with the gritty Hartman and the skilled Zuccarello has been Minnesota’s most consistent threat. This trio will likely draw the assignment of matching up against Anaheim’s top defensive pairing throughout the night.

The second line features Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Marcus Johansson, providing a blend of scoring and defensive responsibility. Boldy has emerged as a legitimate top-six threat, while Eriksson Ek remains one of the league’s premier two-way centers. Johansson’s veteran presence adds stability to this unit, though his offensive production has been sporadic. This line’s ability to neutralize Anaheim’s young second line could be crucial to Minnesota’s success.

Minnesota’s bottom six includes intriguing elements with Vladimir Tarasenko joining Danila Yurov and Vinnie Hinostroza on the third line. Tarasenko brings championship pedigree and offensive instincts, while Yurov represents another promising young piece in Minnesota’s system. The fourth line of Marcus Foligno, Ben Jones, and Yakov Trenin provides physicality and energy, though their offensive upside is limited. With Rossi unavailable, the Wild will need secondary scoring from these bottom-six units to keep pace with Anaheim’s balanced attack.

Ducks vs Wild projected lineup November 15, 2025: Anaheim’s defensive structure

Anaheim’s blue line has been a work in progress this season, and the loss of Radko Gudas to a lower body injury creates another challenge for their defensive structure. The top pairing of Jackson LaCombe and Drew Helleson will shoulder increased responsibilities in Gudas’s absence. LaCombe, a left-shot defender with offensive instincts, has shown steady improvement in his second NHL season, while Helleson brings a physical edge and willingness to block shots.

The second pairing features Olen Zellweger and Jacob Trouba, combining a skilled young puck-mover with a veteran presence. Zellweger possesses excellent mobility and vision, making him a valuable asset in transition. Trouba, acquired through a significant trade, brings playoff experience and a physical dimension that the Ducks previously lacked. This pairing’s ability to handle Minnesota’s top forwards in their own zone will be critical to limiting high-danger scoring chances.

Pavel Mintyukov and Ian Moore round out the defensive corps as the third pairing. Mintyukov is another young defender with offensive skills, though he’s still developing the defensive side of his game. Moore provides depth and stability, though he’s been inconsistent in his opportunities this season. The Ducks will need this pairing to play within their limitations and avoid costly mistakes against Minnesota’s forechecking pressure.

David Spacek will be a healthy scratch for the Wild, giving them some defensive depth if needed. The Ducks’ defensive group, while young and sometimes prone to errors, has generally played beyond expectations this season. Their ability to support Lukas Dostal in net and manage the puck effectively under pressure will determine whether they can secure two points on the road. When facing the Lightning earlier in the season, Anaheim’s defense showed it could handle elite offensive talent when properly structured.

Ducks vs Wild projected lineup November 15, 2025: Minnesota’s blue line concerns

Minnesota’s defensive situation is equally challenging with several key injuries affecting their depth chart. Jake Middleton remains questionable due to illness after missing the past two games, though there’s optimism he could return for this matchup. Zach Bogosian is out with a lower body injury, further depleting an already thin defensive group. These absences force Minnesota to rely on younger, less experienced defenders in crucial situations.

The top pairing of Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon remains intact, providing Minnesota with a reliable shutdown duo. Brodin’s exceptional skating and defensive positioning make him one of the league’s most underrated defenders, while Spurgeon continues to be a steady presence despite his veteran status. This pairing will likely match up against Anaheim’s top line for significant stretches, tasked with limiting the offensive contributions of Kreider, Carlsson, and Terry.

Zeev Buium and Brock Faber form the second pairing, combining youth and promise. Buium, a highly-touted prospect, has earned regular NHL minutes with his poise and skill. Faber has quickly become a cornerstone piece for Minnesota’s future, displaying maturity beyond his years and contributing in all situations. This pairing possesses the speed and agility to handle Anaheim’s transition game, though they’ll need to maintain discipline to avoid taking unnecessary penalties.

The third pairing of Daemon Hunt and David Jiricek represents a developmental opportunity for two young defenders. Hunt brings size and physicality, while Jiricek, a former high draft pick, is still finding his footing at the NHL level. This pairing will be targeted by Anaheim’s coaching staff, who will look to exploit any inexperience or communication breakdowns. If Middleton can return from his illness, it would significantly strengthen Minnesota’s defensive depth and allow the coaching staff to shelter the younger players more effectively.

Ducks vs Wild projected lineup November 15, 2025: Goaltending matchup analysis

The goaltending battle features two teams with confidence in their netminders but questions about consistency. For Anaheim, Lukas Dostal has been exceptional this season, establishing himself as a legitimate number-one goaltender. His athleticism, positioning, and ability to track pucks through traffic have been instrumental in the Ducks’ surprising success. Dostal’s .921 save percentage and ability to steal games make him a formidable opponent, and he’ll need to be sharp against Minnesota’s offensive weapons.

Petr Mrazek serves as Anaheim’s backup, providing veteran experience and capable relief when called upon. The Ducks have managed Dostal’s workload effectively, but this game feels like a spot where they’ll turn to their starter given the importance of building on their strong start. Dostal’s ability to remain composed in hostile road environments has been a revelation, and another strong performance would further cement his status as one of the league’s emerging goaltending talents.

Minnesota is expected to counter with Filip Gustavsson between the pipes, though Jesper Wallstedt remains an option if the coaching staff decides to shake things up. Gustavsson has been inconsistent this season, showing flashes of brilliance mixed with games where he’s struggled to find his rhythm. His rebound control and ability to handle the puck have been concerns, areas that Anaheim’s forecheckers will undoubtedly look to exploit.

Wallstedt represents Minnesota’s goaltending future, and some analysts have questioned whether he should receive more starts given Gustavsson’s inconsistency. However, the team has remained patient with his development, understanding that rushing a young goaltender can have long-term consequences. Whichever netminder gets the nod will face a Ducks team that generates quality scoring chances and possesses multiple players capable of beating goalies cleanly. The goaltending matchup could ultimately decide this contest, with both teams needing strong performances to secure the victory.

Key tactical considerations for November 15, 2025 matchup

Special teams will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome of this game. Anaheim enters with a power play operating at 21.9%, which ranks 12th in the league—a respectable but not dominant figure. The Ducks’ power play success has come from puck movement and shooting mentality rather than over-complicated setups. Minnesota’s penalty kill, operating at 74.6%, has been vulnerable, presenting opportunities for Anaheim to capitalize with the man advantage.

Conversely, Minnesota’s power play has been one of the league’s best at 28.8%, ranking fourth overall. Kaprizov serves as the quarterback of this unit, and his ability to create from the half-wall makes him extremely dangerous with extra space. The Ducks will need to stay disciplined and avoid giving the Wild’s lethal power play opportunities to swing momentum. According to reports from NHL.com, both teams recognize the special teams battle as a critical factor.

Faceoff efficiency could also prove crucial, particularly with Minnesota’s center depth compromised by injuries. The absence of Marco Rossi removes one of their more reliable faceoff men, potentially giving Anaheim’s centers an edge in puck possession battles. Controlling the dot in defensive zone draws will be especially important for both teams when protecting leads or killing penalties.

The pace of play represents another tactical consideration. Anaheim has found success this season by playing a faster, more aggressive style that takes advantage of their young legs and offensive talent. Minnesota, dealing with injuries and inconsistency, may prefer a slower, more structured game that limits transition opportunities. Whichever team can impose their preferred tempo will likely gain a significant advantage. The Ducks’ ability to generate odd-man rushes through quick transition play has been a hallmark of their success, while the Wild excel when they can set up their forecheck and create turnovers in the offensive zone.

Both teams enter this matchup with compelling reasons to believe they can secure two points. The Ducks’ impressive 11-5-1 record reflects their ability to overcome adversity and find ways to win, while the Wild’s home-ice advantage and offensive firepower make them dangerous despite their .500 record. The injury situations on both sides add unpredictability to the equation, with depth players needing to step up in expanded roles.

For Anaheim, this game represents an opportunity to prove their hot start isn’t a fluke by winning a road game against a divisional opponent. For Minnesota, it’s a chance to gain ground in the playoff race and build momentum after a frustrating stretch. With skill, youth, and championship aspirations colliding at Grand Casino Arena, this November 15, 2025 matchup promises compelling hockey that could have implications well beyond the final score. As detailed by The Hockey Writers, both coaching staffs have prepared their rosters for what should be a tightly contested battle that may come down to special teams execution and goaltending excellence.