Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins projected lineup 11/21/2025: Complete game preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins return home to PPG Paints Arena for a crucial Metropolitan Division matchup against the Minnesota Wild on Friday, November 21, 2025. After earning a 4-0 shutout victory over the Nashville Predators in the NHL Global Series, the Penguins look to build momentum against a Wild squad that has won three straight and seven of their last nine contests. Both teams enter this contest with playoff positioning on their minds, making this an early-season battle with significant implications.

This marks the second meeting between these clubs in 2025, with the Wild still stinging from their previous encounter. The Penguins handed Minnesota a frustrating 4-1 defeat back on October 30, extending the Wild’s losing streak to five games at that time. You can read more about that earlier matchup here. Since then, Minnesota has dramatically turned their season around, while Pittsburgh continues to navigate through significant injury challenges that have tested their organizational depth.

Minnesota Wild projected lineup 11/21/2025: Offensive depth on display

The Wild’s top line remains one of the most dangerous trios in the Western Conference. Kirill Kaprizov has found his rhythm after a slow start, compiling 11 goals and 24 points through 21 games. His chemistry with veteran Mats Zuccarello and emerging star Danila Yurov creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. The trio combines elite playmaking, lethal finishing, and responsible two-way play.

Joel Eriksson Ek anchors the second line as the team’s defensive conscience while contributing valuable offense. Marcus Johansson’s veteran presence and Matt Boldy’s 11 goals provide Minnesota with a legitimate scoring threat from their middle six. This line typically draws the opposing top defensive pair, freeing up Kaprizov’s unit to work against lesser matchups.

The bottom six provides Minnesota with enviable depth. Marcus Foligno’s physical presence complements Yakov Trenin’s two-way game and Vinnie Hinostroza’s speed. The fourth line featuring rookie Liam Ohgren, Ben Jones, and Tyler Pitlick has been particularly effective at controlling possession and generating sustained offensive zone pressure.

Key offensive storylines

• Kaprizov’s hot streak: The Russian superstar has eight points in his last five games, including three multi-point performances. His ability to create offense off the rush will test a Penguins defense missing several regulars.

• Rookie impact: Liam Ohgren continues to impress in his sophomore campaign, already matching his rookie goal total with six tallies despite limited ice time.

• Power play production: Minnesota’s power play ranks 12th in the league at 22.4%, with Kaprizov and Boldy each contributing three man-advantage goals.

Pittsburgh Penguins projected lineup 11/21/2025: Injury-riddled but resilient

The Penguins continue to display remarkable resilience despite a staggering number of injuries to key personnel. Coach Mike Sullivan has masterfully pieced together competitive lineups utilizing AHL call-ups and increased responsibilities for veterans.

Sidney Crosby remains the heartbeat of the franchise, centering the top line with Connor Dewar and Bryan Rust. Dewar’s promotion represents a significant opportunity for the young forward to showcase his versatility alongside the future Hall of Famer. The trio has been together for three consecutive games and has generated quality scoring chances despite limited production.

Evgeni Malkin anchors the second line with Kevin Hayes and Anthony Mantha, providing Pittsburgh with a dangerous secondary scoring option. This line has combined for 19 goals and 47 points through the first 19 games, carrying the offensive load during the injury crisis.

The bottom six features several players who began the season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Sam Poulin is expected to make his season debut after being recalled on Tuesday, slotting alongside Tommy Novak and Ben Kindel on the third line. The fourth line of Joona Koppanen, Blake Lizotte, and Danton Heinen has been surprisingly effective at five-on-five, controlling 54% of shot attempts.

Defensive deployment

Pittsburgh’s blue line has been particularly hard-hit by injuries. The projected pairs feature:

• Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson: This duo has logged heavy minutes in recent weeks, with Karlsson leading all NHL defensemen in scoring with 26 points.

• Ryan Shea - Kris Letang: Letang’s veteran presence stabilizes a pairing that has shown promise in limited action together.

• Ryan Graves - Connor Clifton: A reliable third pairing that provides physicality and smart defensive zone coverage.

The Penguins activated Zach Bogosian from injured reserve after he missed 16 games with a lower-body injury sustained on October 17. His return provides much-needed depth, though he may be eased back into the lineup in a limited role.

Goaltending matchup: Starters confirmed

Filip Gustavsson gets the nod for Minnesota despite backup Jesper Wallstedt’s stellar numbers (.926 save percentage, 2.20 GAA). The decision reflects coach John Hynes’ trust in Gustavsson’s experience and his outstanding career record against Pittsburgh (5-1-0, .940 save percentage, 1.82 GAA).

For the Penguins, Arturs Silovs confirmed as the starter following the morning skate. The Latvian netminder has been exceptional this season, ranking 10th in the NHL in goals saved above expected (8.4) and posting a .917 save percentage despite facing the fifth-most high-danger scoring chances in the league.

Injury report: Both teams battle health concerns

The Wild enter this contest relatively healthy compared to their opponent. Vladimir Tarasenko remains on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and did not travel for the start of Minnesota’s three-game road trip. Marco Rossi and Ryan Hartman are also sidelined with lower-body injuries, though both are considered week-to-week rather than long-term absentees.

Pittsburgh’s injury list tells a different story. The Penguins are without:

• Tristan Jarry (lower body) - starting goaltender
• Rickard Rakell (hand surgery) - top-six forward
• Noel Acciari (upper body) - checking line center
• Justin Brazeau (upper body) - physical winger
• Rutger McGroarty (upper body) - rookie forward
• ** Caleb Jones** (lower body) - depth defenseman
• Filip Hallander (blood clot) - forward
• Ville Koivunen (lower body) - prospect

Despite these challenges, Pittsburgh has managed to stay competitive, relying on strong goaltending and the elite play of Crosby and Malkin. The Wild’s recent struggles against Pittsburgh suggest they cannot take this depleted roster lightly.

Key matchups to watch on Friday night

Kaprizov vs. Penguins defense

How Pittsburgh’s makeshift defensive corps handles Kaprizov’s dynamic offensive game will likely determine the outcome. With Karlsson and Letang logging heavy minutes, coach Sullivan may try to match one of his veteran defensemen against Minnesota’s top line whenever possible.

Special teams battle

Minnesota’s 22nd-ranked penalty kill (76.8%) faces a significant test against Pittsburgh’s 8th-ranked power play (24.1%). Conversely, the Wild’s 12th-ranked power play must capitalize against a Penguins penalty kill that ranks 18th in the league at 79.2%.

Depth scoring

With both teams’ top lines likely to cancel each other out, secondary scoring becomes crucial. Minnesota’s second line of Eriksson Ek, Johansson, and Boldy has outscored Pittsburgh’s middle six 23-19 this season, giving the Wild a potential advantage.

Three things to watch for Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins

1. Bogosian’s return impact: After missing more than a month, how effective can Zach Bogosian be in his season debut? His physical presence could be crucial against Pittsburgh’s smaller forwards.

2. Poulin’s debut pressure: Making his NHL debut against a hot Wild team is no easy task. The 22-year-old forward must keep his game simple and avoid costly mistakes.

3. Gustavsson’s Pittsburgh dominance: The Wild goaltender’s career numbers against the Penguins are outstanding. Can he continue that trend on Friday night?

What the game means for the standings

Both teams enter Friday night’s contest in precarious playoff positions. Minnesota is tied with Chicago for the final Western Conference wild-card spot, while Pittsburgh holds a three-point cushion over the New York Islanders for the final Metropolitan Division playoff position. With the season not yet one-third complete, these early-season points carry significant weight in increasingly competitive conferences.

The Wild’s three-game road swing through the Eastern Conference represents an opportunity to build separation from Western Conference competitors while Pittsburgh’s four-game homestand offers a chance to climb the Metropolitan Division standings despite their injury woes.

Final thoughts on Minnesota Wild vs Pittsburgh Penguins projected lineup 11/21/2025

Friday’s matchup features one of the NHL’s hottest teams against one of its most resilient. Minnesota enters with superior health, better recent form, and elite top-end talent firing on all cylinders. Pittsburgh counters with generational centers, outstanding goaltending, and a never-say-die attitude that has defined the franchise for two decades.

While the Wild appear to be the more complete team on paper, the Penguins’ ability to compete despite significant roster depletion cannot be underestimated. Arturs Silovs gives Pittsburgh a fighting chance every night, and special teams could prove decisive in what projects to be a tightly contested matchup.

For Minnesota, establishing their heavy game early and testing Pittsburgh’s patchwork defense with Kaprizov’s speed and skill will be essential. The Wild must avoid the trap of playing down to their opponent and instead impose their will on a team missing its starting goaltender and several key forwards.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at PPG Paints Arena, with national coverage on NHL Network and regional broadcasts on FDSNWI, FDSNNO, and SN-PIT.