Montreal Canadiens at Seattle Kraken projected showdown October 28, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens head to Climate Pledge Arena for a late-night clash with the Seattle Kraken on October 28, 2025, carrying a 7-3-0 record that has them among the early surprises of the NHL season. The Kraken, sitting at 5-2-2, present a formidable challenge as they look to extend their two-game winning streak on home ice. Both teams are dealing with significant injury challenges, making lineup decisions crucial for this Western Conference showdown scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on TSN2, RDS, KHN, and KONG.

This matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions in terms of offensive production. The Canadiens lead the Eastern Conference with 36 goals scored through their first 10 games, boasting a +6 goal differential. Meanwhile, Seattle has been more balanced with 25 goals for and 25 against. As Montreal wraps up a four-game road trip where they’ve already gone 2-1-0, including a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Vancouver, they’ll need to solve a Seattle squad that’s found its rhythm at home.

Montreal Canadiens Seattle Kraken projected lineup: forwards

The Canadiens’ forward lines showcase the dynamic offensive weapons that have powered their early-season success. The top line remains intact with Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky forming one of the most dangerous trios in the NHL. Caufield leads the team with seven goals, while captain Suzuki has been the playmaking catalyst with 13 points on two goals and 11 assists through the first 10 games.

The second line features an intriguing blend of youth and skill with Alex Newhook centering Oliver Kapanen and rookie sensation Ivan Demidov. This unit has provided secondary scoring depth that has been critical to Montreal’s success. Demidov, in particular, has shown flashes of the elite talent that made him a highly-touted prospect.

Montreal’s third line consists of veteran presence with Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and Brendan Gallagher. This group brings a grittier, more physical element to the lineup while still contributing offensively. Anderson’s speed and size create matchup problems, while Gallagher’s net-front presence remains a valuable asset on the power play.

The fourth line sees Kirby Dach centering Joe Veleno and Zack Bolduc. This combination provides depth scoring potential with Dach’s playmaking ability complemented by Veleno’s two-way game and Bolduc’s energy. Head coach Martin St-Louis has shown confidence in rolling four lines, which has kept opponents honest throughout games.

Joshua Roy finds himself as a healthy scratch along with Marc Del Gaizo, indicating the depth competition remains fierce within the organization. The absence of Patrik Laine due to a lower-body injury continues to be felt, though the team has adapted well in his absence.

For Seattle, the forward group is headlined by Berkly Catton skating alongside Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle on the top unit. Eberle and Jaden Schwartz have been co-leading the offensive charge with eight points each (four goals, four assists) through nine games. The Kraken’s ability to spread scoring across multiple lines has been key to their 5-2-2 start.

The second line features Mason Marchment, Chandler Stephenson, and Eeli Tolvanen, providing another wave of offensive talent. Stephenson’s arrival in Seattle has bolstered the team’s center depth, while Marchment brings size and skill to the wing. Similar to how the Edmonton Oilers vs Seattle Kraken projected lineup October 25 2025 matchup showcased Seattle’s depth, this configuration demonstrates their balanced attack.

Schwartz anchors the third line with Shane Wright and Jani Nyman. Wright’s development has been a focal point for the organization, and his increasing ice time suggests growing trust from the coaching staff. This line provides a mix of veteran leadership and young talent looking to establish themselves.

The fourth line consists of Tye Kartye, Ben Meyers, and Ryan Winterton, a hard-working group that brings energy and physicality. The Kraken are without key forward Jared McCann, who skated separately from the team and isn’t expected to play. McCann hasn’t appeared since Seattle’s 4-3 victory over Toronto on October 18. Frederick Gaudreau remains on injured reserve with an upper-body issue, while Kaapo Kakko continues to recover from a hand injury.

Montreal Canadiens Seattle Kraken projected lineup: defense

Montreal’s blue line has undergone significant reshuffling due to injuries, most notably the absence of Kaiden Guhle with a lower-body injury. The top pairing features Mike Matheson alongside Noah Dobson, a combination that blends Matheson’s mobility and offensive instincts with Dobson’s steady two-way play. Matheson has been logging heavy minutes as the team’s quarterback on the power play.

The second pairing consists of Jayden Struble and Lane Hutson, with Hutson being one of the most exciting young defensemen in the NHL. Despite his smaller stature, Hutson’s hockey IQ and skating ability have translated seamlessly to the professional level. Struble provides a physical complement to Hutson’s finesse game, creating a balanced partnership.

Arber Xhekaj and Alexandre Carrier round out the third pairing. Xhekaj brings an intimidating physical presence and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. His size and reach make him effective in the defensive zone, while Carrier adds experience and reliability. This depth has been crucial for Montreal in managing Guhle’s absence.

Seattle’s defensive group is also dealing with injury concerns, notably missing Ryker Evans who remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. The top pairing of Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson provides a veteran presence with Dunn’s offensive capabilities complementing Larsson’s defensive reliability. Dunn has been quarterbacking the Kraken’s power play and contributing offensively.

Ryan Lindgren and Brandon Montour form the second pairing, a combination that brings both defensive solidity and offensive upside. Montour’s addition to the Kraken has bolstered their blue line significantly, providing another weapon on the power play. Lindgren’s physical style and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable penalty-killing contributor.

The third pairing features Josh Mahura alongside Jamie Oleksiak. Oleksiak’s 6-foot-7 frame makes him one of the most imposing defenders in the league, and his reach is invaluable in protecting the net front. Mahura provides mobility and puck-moving ability from the third pairing, allowing Seattle to roll three capable defensive units. Cale Fleury sits as a healthy scratch, providing additional organizational depth.

Montreal Canadiens Seattle Kraken projected lineup: goaltenders

The goaltending situation presents an interesting storyline for both teams. Montreal is expected to start Jakub Dobes, a younger netminder who has been given opportunities to prove himself at the NHL level. With Sam Montembeault serving as the backup, the Canadiens have shown faith in their goaltending depth. Dobes will need to be sharp against a Seattle team that, while not explosive offensively, generates quality scoring chances.

Montreal’s goaltending has been solid enough to support their high-powered offense, though maintaining consistency between the pipes remains important as the season progresses. The team’s defensive structure has improved, but they still allow an average number of high-danger chances, putting pressure on their netminders to make key saves at critical moments.

For Seattle, Joey Daccord gets the nod in goal after another strong performance in their recent victory over Edmonton. Daccord has posted a 5-1-1 record with a 2.48 goals-against average, establishing himself as the team’s clear number-one option. His athleticism and positioning have been excellent, giving the Kraken confidence in close games.

Philipp Grubauer serves as the backup, providing veteran insurance if needed. Matt Murray, while on the roster, remains a healthy scratch. The Kraken’s goaltending has been a strength early in the season, with Daccord’s emergence providing stability that was sometimes missing in previous campaigns. Much like the performance in the Seattle Kraken at Winnipeg Jets projected lineup and game preview for October 23, 2025 game, Seattle’s goaltending will be crucial to their success.

Key matchups and special teams for the Montreal Canadiens Seattle Kraken projected lineup October 28 2025

The individual battles within this game could determine its outcome. Nick Suzuki versus Matty Beniers presents a fascinating center-ice duel between two talented young players. Suzuki’s playmaking has been exceptional, while Beniers brings two-way responsibility and improving offensive instincts. Their ability to control play at even strength will be crucial for their respective teams.

Cole Caufield’s matchup against Seattle’s defensive corps, particularly whoever draws the assignment of shadowing him, will be appointment viewing. Caufield’s release is among the quickest in the NHL, and he’s proven capable of beating goaltenders from anywhere in the offensive zone. Seattle will need to be disciplined in their coverage to prevent Caufield from finding seams.

The special teams battle could swing this game. Montreal’s power play has been potent, thanks largely to the distributon skills of Suzuki and Matheson, combined with Caufield’s shooting prowess. The Canadiens rank among the league’s top power-play units early in the season. Seattle’s penalty kill will need to be aggressive in denying time and space.

Seattle’s power play, featuring weapons like Dunn, Montour, Eberle, and Schwartz, presents its own challenges. The Kraken have shown the ability to move the puck efficiently and generate high-quality chances with the man advantage. Montreal’s penalty kill, while improved, will be tested against Seattle’s skilled personnel.

According to NHL.com’s official game preview, both teams held optional morning skates, suggesting they’re well-rested and prepared for the late-night contest. The coaching chess match between Martin St-Louis and Seattle’s bench boss will be fascinating to watch, particularly in terms of line matching and deployment in key situations.

What to watch in the Montreal Canadiens Seattle Kraken projected lineup October 28 2025

Montreal’s ability to manage the late start time and complete their road trip on a high note will be critical. West Coast trips can be challenging for Eastern Conference teams, and the 10:30 p.m. ET puck drop means players will be competing well past midnight by their body clocks. The Canadiens have handled adversity well this season, but fatigue could become a factor in the third period.

Seattle’s home-ice advantage at Climate Pledge Arena has been significant this season. The Kraken feed off the energy of their passionate fanbase, and protecting home ice has been a priority. With a five-game homestand underway, Seattle has an opportunity to bank points and establish themselves in the competitive Pacific Division race.

The goaltending duel between Dobes and Daccord adds intrigue. Both netminders will face high-quality offensive weapons, and their ability to make timely saves could be the difference in what projects to be a close game. Based on the betting lines from Inside The Rink’s comprehensive preview, oddsmakers have Montreal as slight favorites despite playing on the road, reflecting confidence in their early-season form.

Injury management continues to be a storyline for both clubs. Montreal is adapting well to life without Laine and Guhle, while Seattle is managing without McCann’s offensive contributions. Depth scoring from both teams’ bottom-six forwards and third defensive pairings could prove decisive.

The over/under of 6.5 goals suggests expectations for an offensive game, which makes sense given Montreal’s league-leading goal total and both teams’ tendency to play an up-tempo style. Whether the defenses and goaltenders can slow down the offensive talent on display will determine if that total is reached.

As both teams look to build momentum with their playoff aspirations, this October 28 matchup offers a measuring stick opportunity. Montreal can solidify their position atop the Eastern Conference standings with a road victory, while Seattle can continue building confidence at home. The projected lineups showcase the depth and talent on both rosters, setting the stage for an entertaining Pacific Northwest showdown that could go down to the final buzzer.