Oilers vs Canadiens: October 23, 2025 showdown at Rogers Place

The Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens are set to clash on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Rogers Place in what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams heading in different directions. The Canadiens arrive riding high with a 6-2-0 record, having won six of their last seven games, while the Oilers sit at 3-3-1 and are looking to build momentum on home ice. With significant lineup adjustments on both sides due to injuries and strategic moves, this 9 p.m. ET contest will feature some fascinating storylines.

Oilers vs Canadiens projected lineup October 23 2025: Edmonton’s forward combinations

The Oilers’ forward lines for tonight’s matchup showcase Head Coach Kris Knoblauch’s willingness to make bold adjustments. The top line features Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Matt Savoie, with the young forward getting promoted after an impressive showing in Ottawa where he assisted on Jake Walman’s overtime winner. This represents a significant opportunity for Savoie, who has one assist in seven games this season and is still searching for his first NHL goal.

McDavid spoke highly of his new linemate’s performance, noting Savoie’s relentless work ethic and skating ability. “He’s playing really well,” McDavid said. “He’s got a great engine on him. He skates really well, and with a little bit of luck, he scores one or two last game and he’s off and running.” The captain’s endorsement speaks volumes about the confidence the coaching staff has in the 21-year-old’s readiness for this elevated role.

The second line remains intact with Andrew Mangiapane centering Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jack Roslovic, providing the Oilers with a balanced scoring threat and solid two-way play. This trio has been tasked with providing secondary offense while matching up against opponents’ top lines when needed.

Vasily Podkolzin moves down to the third line alongside Noah Philp and Trent Frederic after spending time with McDavid. This line will focus on energy, forechecking, and wearing down the Canadiens’ defense corps. The fourth line features Isaac Howard, Adam Henrique, and David Tomasek, providing depth and physicality.

The Oilers will be without several key contributors, with Zach Hyman still sidelined with a wrist injury, though he’s expected back by November 1. Mattias Janmark remains out with an undisclosed injury, while Kasperi Kapanen was placed on injured reserve Thursday with a knee issue. Curtis Lazar and Troy Stecher are healthy scratches for the contest.

Oilers vs Canadiens projected lineup October 23 2025: Montreal’s offensive weapons

The Canadiens’ forward group enters tonight’s game brimming with confidence after their recent success. The top line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky has been one of the league’s most dangerous combinations early in the season, providing a potent mix of speed, skill, and finishing ability. Caufield’s elite shooting and Suzuki’s playmaking have been complemented perfectly by Slafkovsky’s physical presence and improving offensive instincts.

Montreal’s second line features intriguing young talent with Alex Newhook, Oliver Kapanen, and rookie sensation Ivan Demidov. Demidov, one of the most highly-touted prospects in hockey, has been making an immediate impact at the NHL level and will look to continue his strong start against an Oilers team that will need to be mindful of his creativity and vision.

The third line brings veteran presence and grit with Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and Brendan Gallagher. This trio provides the Canadiens with energy, defensive responsibility, and secondary scoring when needed. Their physicality could be crucial against an Oilers team looking to establish their game at home.

Kirby Dach returns to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury, centering the fourth line with Joe Veleno and Zack Bolduc. Dach’s return is significant for Montreal’s depth, and his insertion back into the lineup means Joshua Roy will be scratched for this contest. The coaching staff clearly values Dach’s two-way play and size down the middle.

Montreal will be without Kaiden Guhle (lower body), Patrik Laine (lower body), and David Reinbacher (broken metacarpal), though their depth has stepped up admirably during these absences. Marc Del Gaizo is also a healthy scratch for the game.

Oilers vs Canadiens projected lineup October 23 2025: Defensive pairings and strategies

Edmonton’s blue line will be anchored by the elite pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard. This duo has been the Oilers’ most reliable defensive combination, with Ekholm providing steady, veteran presence and Bouchard offering offensive creativity and power-play quarterbacking. Their ability to transition the puck quickly and effectively will be crucial against Montreal’s speed through the neutral zone.

The second pairing features Darnell Nurse alongside Jake Walman, who is coming off his overtime heroics in Ottawa. Nurse brings size and physicality, while Walman adds mobility and offensive instincts. This pairing will likely see significant minutes against Montreal’s top forwards and must be disciplined in their gap control.

Brett Kulak and Ty Emberson round out the defensive corps on the third pairing. Both defenders have been solid in their roles, though they’ll face a challenge against the Canadiens’ offensive depth. Alec Regula remains out with an undisclosed injury, limiting Edmonton’s defensive options.

Montreal’s defensive structure features Mike Matheson paired with newly-acquired Noah Dobson on the top pairing. Matheson’s experience and mobility combined with Dobson’s well-rounded game gives the Canadiens a formidable first pair capable of playing in all situations. Their ability to move the puck and join the rush will be tested against McDavid’s line.

The second pairing of Jayden Struble and Lane Hutson provides youth and skill. Hutson, in particular, has been generating buzz with his offensive creativity and skating ability despite his smaller stature. This pairing will need to be aware of Edmonton’s forechecking pressure and make quick, smart decisions with the puck.

Arber Xhekaj and Alexander Carrier form Montreal’s third pairing, bringing a mix of physicality and steady defensive play. Xhekaj’s intimidating presence and willingness to defend teammates could become a factor if the game gets chippy.

Oilers vs Canadiens projected lineup October 23 2025: Goaltending matchup and special teams

Calvin Pickard gets the nod in net for Edmonton after taking the starter’s net during pre-game warmups. The 33-year-old veteran will be making his second start of the season after allowing four goals on 22 shots in a loss to New Jersey earlier this month. Pickard spoke about the importance of focusing on a complete 60-minute effort after the team’s disappointing road trip.

“We take everybody seriously,” Pickard noted. “I watched a bit of their game last night. Very high-flying, a lot of talented players, a lot of skill. They’re an exciting team to watch and off to a really good start this year, but it’s about us.” With back-to-back games against Seattle and Vancouver looming this weekend, Pickard is expected to start two of the next three contests, making tonight’s performance crucial for his confidence and the team’s momentum.

Sam Montembeault will guard the crease for Montreal despite the team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The decision to start Montembeault shows the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to perform on short rest, and it also reflects the importance of this game as the Canadiens look to maintain their strong start to the season.

The special teams battle could determine the outcome of this contest. Edmonton’s power play, featuring the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, has the potential to be lethal when clicking. Bouchard’s point shot and the movement from the Oilers’ top unit creates constant scoring chances. Montreal’s penalty kill will need to be sharp and disciplined to limit Edmonton’s opportunities with the man advantage.

Montreal’s power play has also shown improvement this season, with Caufield’s one-timer from the right circle being a constant threat. The Canadiens’ movement and quick puck distribution could test an Oilers penalty kill that has been inconsistent at times. Savoie has been praised for his work on Edmonton’s PK, adding another dimension to his audition on the top line.

The faceoff circle could be another crucial battleground. Suzuki’s proficiency on draws gives Montreal an advantage in puck possession, while McDavid and Draisaitl will need support from their center depth to win key offensive zone draws. These small details often determine outcomes in tightly contested games.

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As the puck drops at Rogers Place, both teams understand the significance of this matchup. For Edmonton, it’s an opportunity to build momentum at home before heading back on the road, while also evaluating whether Savoie can handle top-line minutes alongside two of the game’s best players. The young forward’s speed and defensive responsibility have earned him this chance, and a strong performance could solidify his role moving forward.

Montreal, meanwhile, looks to prove their hot start is sustainable against quality competition. Playing their seventh road game with a 6-2-0 record puts the Canadiens in excellent position early in the season, and a victory in Edmonton would send a clear message that they’re legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. The return of Dach adds another weapon to their arsenal, and Montembeault’s ability to perform on back-to-back nights will be tested against one of the league’s most potent offenses. With both teams featuring elite talent and compelling storylines, this October 23 showdown promises to deliver entertainment and could provide early-season implications for both franchises moving forward.