The highly anticipated matchup between two of the NHL’s hottest teams comes to fruition on November 1, 2025, as the Pittsburgh Penguins travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets in what promises to be a compelling afternoon showdown. Both squads entered the weekend boasting eight wins, sitting atop their respective divisions and showcasing the kind of dominant play that has captured the attention of hockey fans across North America. With the Penguins riding the momentum of one of their best Octobers in franchise history and the Jets looking to continue their impressive start, this clash offers a fascinating glimpse at two championship-caliber rosters navigating early-season adversity.
The 3 p.m. ET puck drop at Canada Life Centre features two teams dealing with significant injury challenges yet still finding ways to win. Pittsburgh enters with an 8-2-2 record, leading the Metropolitan Division, while Winnipeg sits at 8-3-0, second in the Central Division. Both teams have demonstrated remarkable depth and resilience, qualities that will be tested once again as they deploy lineups featuring several call-ups and lineup adjustments.
Penguins vs Jets projected lineup November 1, 2025: Pittsburgh’s forward configuration
The Penguins’ forward lines for this matchup showcase the team’s ability to adapt despite mounting injury concerns. Sidney Crosby will center the top line between Filip Hallander and Bryan Rust, a combination that has provided stability even as the Penguins navigate the absence of Rickard Rakell, who underwent hand surgery and faces a 6-8 week recovery timeline.
The second line features the dynamic trio of Anthony Mantha, Evgeni Malkin, and Justin Brazeau, a combination that has been nothing short of electric. Brazeau’s six goals in 12 games have been a revelation for Pittsburgh, and despite missing Friday’s practice for maintenance, he’s expected to be in the lineup. This unit has been on the ice for nine even-strength goals, tied for second-most in the NHL and trailing only Winnipeg’s top line.
Pittsburgh’s third line consists of Tommy Novak between Ben Kindel and Ville Koivunen, providing scoring depth that has been crucial during the injury crisis. The fourth line rounds out with Connor Dewar, Blake Lizotte, and Noel Acciari, offering defensive reliability and penalty-killing prowess. Philip Tomasino remains a healthy scratch, though he took maintenance reps with Brazeau during Friday’s practice as insurance.
The Penguins will be without Kevin Hayes (upper body), Rutger McGroarty (upper body), and Caleb Jones (lower body), in addition to Rakell’s long-term absence. Despite these setbacks, Pittsburgh has compiled 18 points through 12 games, demonstrating the organizational depth that general manager Kyle Dubas has cultivated.
Penguins vs Jets projected lineup November 1, 2025: Winnipeg’s offensive firepower
The Jets counter with one of the most formidable forward groups in the NHL, led by their dominant top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi. This trio has been on the ice for 11 even-strength goals entering the weekend, tied for the NHL lead and setting the pace for Winnipeg’s offensive surge.
Scheifele has been particularly spectacular, entering Friday ranked second in the NHL points race with 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) through 11 games, trailing only Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel. Vilardi, fresh off a two-goal performance against Chicago on Thursday, is maintaining a point-per-game pace with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) and appears poised for a breakout campaign following his six-year contract extension signed in July.
The second line features the intriguing return of Jonathan Toews, who centers Vladislav Namestnikov and Alex Iafallo. Toews’ comeback after missing the entirety of the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons has been one of the league’s feel-good stories, with the former Blackhawks captain contributing six points (two goals, four assists) and looking every bit the two-way center who won three Stanley Cups.
Winnipeg’s bottom six includes Nino Niederreiter, Morgan Barron, and Tanner Pearson on the third line, while Cole Koepke, Parker Ford, and Brad Lambert occupy the fourth. Lambert draws into the lineup as Gustav Nyquist is sidelined day-to-day after “tweaking something” during Thursday’s victory over Chicago. Jets coach Scott Arniel confirmed Nyquist would not play Saturday, though the injury doesn’t appear serious.
The Jets remain without Cole Perfetti (ankle), Dylan Samberg (wrist), and Adam Lowry, though Arniel indicated the latter is “real close” to making his season debut. Despite these absences, Winnipeg has maintained its offensive potency and sits among the league’s elite scoring teams.
Penguins vs Jets projected lineup November 1, 2025: defensive corps comparison
Pittsburgh’s blue line configuration reflects both opportunity and necessity. The top pairing of Parker Wotherspoon and Erik Karlsson provides offensive creativity, with the former Norris Trophy winner continuing to quarterback the power play and generate chances from the back end. The second pairing features Ryan Shea alongside captain Kris Letang, combining youth and veteran savvy.
The third pairing of Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke represents the future of the Penguins’ defense, with Brunicke earning another opportunity after Matt Dumba was made a healthy scratch. This youth movement on the back end has been necessitated by injuries to Jack St. Ivany (lower body) and Caleb Jones (lower body, 6-8 weeks), but it’s also provided valuable NHL experience for Pittsburgh’s defensive prospects. Connor Clifton and Dumba remain available as depth options.
Winnipeg counters with a more established defensive group led by the formidable top pairing of Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo. This duo has been instrumental in Winnipeg’s success, providing shutdown capability against opponents’ top lines while contributing offensively. The second pairing of Logan Stanley and Neal Pionk offers size and mobility, while Haydn Fleury and Luke Schenn round out the third pairing with veteran presence and physicality.
The Jets are missing Dylan Samberg to a wrist injury, but Colin Miller provides capable depth as a healthy scratch. The defensive structure under Arniel has been solid, supporting Connor Hellebuyck’s excellence between the pipes and limiting high-danger chances against.
Penguins vs Jets projected lineup November 1, 2025: goaltending matchup and expectations
The crease battle features intriguing storylines on both sides. For Pittsburgh, the rotation suggests Arturs Silovs will get the start based on the pattern that has emerged this season. Silovs has provided steady backup work behind Tristan Jarry, who has stabilized after a rocky 2024-25 campaign. The Penguins have benefited from consistent goaltending during their strong October, which saw them match the franchise’s third-best win total for the month (only surpassed in 2009 and 2013).
Winnipeg’s goaltending situation is far more clear-cut. Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, is once again performing at an elite level. Through nine starts, he’s posted a .921 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against average, with the Jets boasting a 6-3-0 record in his appearances. Hellebuyck’s ability to steal games and provide consistent excellence gives Winnipeg a significant advantage in any matchup.
The goaltending differential could prove decisive in what projects to be a tightly contested game. According to prediction models cited by Fox Sports 1420, computer projections favor the Jets 4-3, largely due to Hellebuyck’s presence and home-ice advantage. However, Pittsburgh’s resilient play throughout October suggests they’re capable of challenging even the league’s premier netminders.
What this matchup means for both teams moving forward
This November 1 showdown carries significance beyond the two points at stake. For the Penguins, continuing their momentum after a franchise-caliber October would solidify their status as legitimate Metropolitan Division contenders and validate the roster construction undertaken by the front office. Similar to their recent performances against division rivals, Pittsburgh needs to prove they can compete with the league’s elite on the road.
The road trip concludes Monday night in Toronto against the Maple Leafs before the Penguins return home to face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Thursday. How Pittsburgh handles this western Canadian trip while managing injuries will provide valuable insight into their long-term sustainability as contenders.
For Winnipeg, home games against quality opponents offer opportunities to bank points and maintain their position near the top of the Central Division standings. The Jets won’t see Pittsburgh again until March 21, when they visit PPG Paints Arena, making this their only chance to collect points from the Penguins for nearly five months.
The matchup between Winnipeg’s top line and Pittsburgh’s defensive structure will be particularly compelling. Can the Penguins’ makeshift blue line contain Connor, Scheifele, and Vilardi, or will the Jets’ offensive firepower prove too much? Conversely, Pittsburgh’s resurgent second line of Mantha, Malkin, and Brazeau presents a formidable challenge for Winnipeg’s defense.
Special teams could also play a crucial role, as both teams feature potent power plays anchored by elite quarterbacks in Karlsson and Morrissey. Discipline will be essential, particularly for Pittsburgh’s younger defensive corps facing Winnipeg’s skilled forwards.
As two of the NHL’s seven eight-win teams collide on this November afternoon, hockey fans are treated to a showcase of skill, depth, and adaptability. The Penguins have overcome significant injury adversity to post one of their best Octobers in franchise history, riding career years from unexpected sources like Justin Brazeau while Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin continue to defy Father Time. Their ability to navigate lineup challenges has been evident throughout the early season, and this Jets test represents another opportunity to prove their mettle.
Winnipeg enters as a slight favorite with home ice and Hellebuyck between the pipes, but the Jets’ own injury concerns and Pittsburgh’s championship pedigree suggest this game could go either way. The 3 p.m. ET start time on NHL.com’s official preview brings must-watch hockey to a Saturday afternoon, with both teams seeking to extend their impressive starts and make statements about their postseason aspirations. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup between division leaders provides exactly the kind of high-quality, competitive hockey that makes the NHL’s long season compelling from opening night through spring.
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.