Projected lineups: Blackhawks vs Sabres 11/21/25 — complete preview and line combinations

The Chicago Blackhawks hit the road for their final November contest, traveling to Buffalo for a Friday night showdown against the Sabres. Following a frustrating 3-2 loss to Seattle on Thursday that snapped their six-game point streak, the Hawks look to rebound against a Sabres team mired in the Eastern Conference basement. Both teams enter this matchup with injury concerns and lineup questions that could significantly impact the outcome. With puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center, let’s dive into the projected lineups and key storylines for this November 21, 2025, cross-conference battle.

Projected lineups blackhawks vs sabres 11/21/25: Blackhawks forward lines and combinations

Chicago’s forward group remains anchored by the dynamic duo of Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, who’ll skate alongside Ryan Greene on the top line. This trio has generated consistent offensive pressure throughout November, with Bedard leading the entire NHL in points (29) and goals (13). Bertuzzi brings his trademark physicality and net-front presence, while Greene’s two-way reliability provides the stability that allows his linemates to freelance offensively.

The second line features an intriguing mix of youth and experience with Oliver Moore centering Frank Nazar and Ilya Mikheyev. Nazar enters this contest riding a three-game point streak, showcasing the offensive creativity that made him a first-round pick. Moore’s speed through the neutral zone creates transition opportunities, while Mikheyev’s defensive responsibility balances the line’s risk-reward ratio. This combination has clicked recently, providing secondary scoring that Chicago desperately needs with several regulars out of the lineup.

Teuvo Teravainen slides down to the third line with Ryan Donato and Colton Dach, a versatile unit that can play both a skill game and a checking role. Teravainen’s playmaking ability hasn’t diminished, and his chemistry with Bedard from earlier in the season could be rekindled if the Hawks need a mid-game shuffle. Donato’s faceoff prowess becomes crucial given Chicago’s struggles in the circle (46.6% success rate, 29th in NHL).

The fourth line projects as Landon Slaggert and Sam Lafferty, though this could change if Jason Dickinson returns from his upper-body injury. Dickinson’s status remains day-to-day, and his potential insertion would provide a defensive center option against Buffalo’s top line. The Blackhawks have successfully navigated recent injury adversity, as evidenced by their strong November performance against New Jersey and Toronto, where they managed points despite missing key personnel.

Projected lineups blackhawks vs sabres 11/21/25: Blackhawks defensive pairings and strategy

Chicago’s blue line starts with the steady pairing of Alex Vlasic and Louis Crevier, a duo that’s evolved into coach Jeff Blashill’s go-to shutdown combination. Vlasic’s positional awareness complements Crevier’s physical edge, creating a formidable barrier against opposing top lines. Their ability to move puck efficiently out of the defensive zone has been instrumental in the Hawks’ impressive 2.55 goals-against average (3rd in NHL).

The second pairing features Wyatt Kaiser alongside rookie sensation Artyom Levshunov, who’s quickly adapting to NHL speed after his early-season call-up. Kaiser’s mobility allows him to join the rush, while Levshunov’s booming shot from the point gives Chicago a dangerous weapon on the power play. This pairing has shown flashes of offensive brilliance, though occasional defensive zone lapses remain a work in progress.

Matt Grzelcyk and Connor Murphy round out the top six, providing veteran stability and penalty kill expertise. Murphy’s leadership becomes even more vital with captain Nick Foligno sidelined long-term with a hand injury. Sam Rinzel serves as the seventh defenseman, ready to step in if any of his teammates falter or if the coaching staff wants to inject fresh legs into the lineup.

Projected lineups blackhawks vs sabres 11/21/25: Sabres lineup breakdown and key players

Buffalo’s offense runs through Tage Thompson, who centers the top line between Josh Doan and Alex Tuch. Thompson leads the Sabres with 10 goals and 18 points, his blistering shot and 6’7” frame creating matchup nightmares for opponents. Doan’s rookie season continues to impress as he grows into a top-six role, while Tuch’s power-forward game brings necessary grit to complement his linemates’ skill.

The return of Jason Zucker after missing eight games with illness provides a significant boost to the second line, where he’ll skate with Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn. This line’s speed and forechecking pressure could exploit Chicago’s younger defensemen. Zucker immediately upgrades Buffalo’s transition game, while Quinn’s sniper mentality and McLeod’s defensive awareness create a balanced attack.

Tyson Kozak, Noah Ostlund, and Isak Rosen form a youthful third line that showcases the Sabres’ prospect pipeline. Ostlund’s playmaking vision stands out, though his defensive positioning needs refinement at the NHL level. Kozak’s physical presence and Rosen’s finishing ability give this trio potential, but consistency has been an issue during Buffalo’s disappointing start.

Jordan Greenway, Peyton Krebs, and Beck Malenstyn comprise a checking fourth line tasked with neutralizing Bedard and company. Greenway’s size and Krebs’ tenacity on the puck make this an effective energy line, though offensive contributions have been minimal. With the Sabres struggling to score (2.85 GF/GP, 24th in NHL), any production from this unit would be a welcome bonus.

Projected lineups blackhawks vs sabres 11/21/25: Key injury updates and roster moves

The Blackhawks enter this game with several significant injuries that have tested their depth. Andre Burakovsky won’t dress after taking a shoulder to the head from Seattle’s Ryan Lindgren on Thursday, adding another forward to the injured list that already includes Jason Dickinson (upper body) and captain Nick Foligno (hand). Laurent Brossoit remains out with a hip injury, leaving the goaltending duties to the Soderblom-Knight tandem.

Coach Blashill praised his team’s resilience during the recent injury crisis, noting how different players have stepped up. The Blackhawks’ ability to earn points during previous stretches without key players, such as during their November 12 matchup against New Jersey, demonstrates the organizational depth that general manager Kyle Davidson has built. Frank Nazar’s emergence during this challenging period particularly stands out as a positive development.

For Buffalo, the injury situation features several young forwards. Zach Benson hopes to return Sunday against Carolina after missing nine games with a lower-body injury, but he won’t play Friday. Jiri Kulich remains sidelined indefinitely with a blood clot issue, while Justin Danforth and Josh Norris also watch from the press box. Michael Kesselring’s lower-body injury further depletes their defensive depth.

The Sabres made a roster move Thursday, placing Mason Geertsen on waivers to clear space for Zucker’s return from injured reserve. This transaction underscores Buffalo’s desperation to shake up a roster that’s stumbled to a 7-9-4 record and dead-last standing in the Eastern Conference with just 18 points through 20 games.

Projected lineups blackhawks vs sabres 11/21/25: Goaltending matchup analysis

Arvid Soderblom gets the nod for Chicago, sporting a solid 3-2-1 record with a 2.52 GAA and .912 save percentage. The 26-year-old has won his last two starts, stopping 64 of 67 shots combined against Calgary and Detroit. Soderblom’s positioning and rebound control have improved dramatically from last season, though his four career appearances against Buffalo have been rocky (0-2-1, 3.29 GAA, .901 Sv%). He’ll aim to reverse that trend against a Sabres offense that’s struggled to find consistency.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stands as the likely starter for Buffalo, returning to action after missing time since November 13. Luukkonen carries a 1-2-1 record with a concerning 3.02 GAA and .883 save percentage this season, numbers that reflect the Sabres’ porous team defense more than individual failings. However, his career numbers against Chicago inspire confidence: 4-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA, .939 Sv%, and one shutout in four outings. This stark statistical contrast creates an intriguing storyline as both teams look to their netminders for a momentum-shifting performance.

The backup situation features Spencer Knight for Chicago, who played Thursday against Seattle, making 24 saves in the loss. Alex Lyon waits in the wings for Buffalo, ready to step in if coach Lindy Ruff decides to give Luukkonen more recovery time after his recent absence.

Projected lineups blackhawks vs sabres 11/21/25: What to watch for and game preview

Special teams will likely decide this contest. Chicago’s power play converts at 24.1% (9th in NHL), while Buffalo’s penalty kill leads the entire league at an impressive 89.8%. This strength-on-strength matchup pits Bedard’s elite playmaking against the Sabres’ disciplined defensive structure. Conversely, Buffalo’s 16.4% power play (24th) must capitalize against Chicago’s 83.6% penalty kill (7th) to generate offense.

The faceoff circle presents another critical battle. Chicago ranks 29th at 46.6%, while Buffalo sits dead last at 42.6%. Whichever team can improve in this area will control possession and limit defensive zone starts. Ryan Donato’s 53% success rate becomes particularly important, as does Ryan McLeod’s 51% clip for Buffalo.

Connor Bedard’s response after Thursday’s frustrating penalty and scoreless outing will be under the microscope. The 19-year-old superstar took responsibility for his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, telling reporters, “I’ve got to have a better response there when that doesn’t go my way. Just learn from it and don’t let it happen again.” His mental resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity define elite players, and Friday provides an immediate opportunity for redemption.

From a systems perspective, Buffalo must limit Chicago’s transition game. The Blackhawks have scored 3.30 goals per game (7th in NHL) by turning defense into offense quickly. If the Sabres can force Chicago to play a slower, more structured game in the offensive zone, they’ll neutralize the Hawks’ greatest weapon. Head coach Lindy Ruff’s experience becomes crucial in crafting a game plan that protects his young roster from Chicago’s speed.

Historically, Chicago dominates this matchup, going 17-7-2 over the last 26 meetings and 6-4-2 in their past 12 visits to KeyBank Center. However, Buffalo won both contests last season, outscoring Chicago 10-4. These divergent trends create uncertainty, though Chicago’s superior overall record and statistical profile suggest they’re the favorites despite playing on zero days’ rest.

The Blackhawks’ recent road trip success, including their victory over Detroit and competitive showing against Toronto, demonstrates their ability to handle travel and adversity. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s desperation after getting shelled 6-2 by Calgary could produce either a inspired performance or a flat effort from a mentally fatigued group.

Key statistical advantages for Chicago:

• Goals per game: 3.30 vs Buffalo’s 2.85
• Goals against per game: 2.55 vs Buffalo’s 3.55
• Power play percentage: 24.1% vs Buffalo’s 16.4%

Buffalo’s potential path to victory:

• Dominate special teams with their top-ranked penalty kill
• Get early power play goals to build confidence
• Win the goaltending battle with Luukkonen’s history against Chicago
• Exploit Chicago’s fatigue from the previous night’s contest

With both teams dealing with injuries but having distinct motivations—Chicago seeking to maintain playoff positioning and Buffalo desperate to salvage their season—Friday’s matchup should provide compelling hockey. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, broadcast on CHSN, MSG-B, and SN.