Seattle Kraken vs Pittsburgh Penguins projected lineup November 22 2025: complete game preview

As the NHL calendar flips toward late November, Saturday’s matchup between the Seattle Kraken and Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena represents a pivotal moment for both clubs. The Kraken arrive in Pennsylvania riding a wave of momentum, having captured three victories in their last four outings and points in five of their last seven contests. Meanwhile, the Penguins limp home after a demoralizing 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Wild, desperately seeking a response in front of their home crowd. With puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, both coaching staffs face crucial decisions regarding lineup combinations, goaltending rotations, and tactical adjustments.

The stakes extend beyond simple win-loss records. Seattle currently sits fourth in the Pacific Division with a 10-5-5 record and 25 points, establishing themselves as legitimate playoff contenders in just their fourth season of existence. Pittsburgh, locked in the equally competitive Metropolitan Division at 10-6-4 (24 points), cannot afford to surrender valuable points at home, especially against a Western Conference opponent they’ll face only twice this season. The projected lineups reveal intriguing storylines, from milestone achievements to injury concerns that could significantly impact both teams’ trajectories.

Seattle Kraken projected lineup November 22 2025

Head coach Lane Lambert appears ready to deploy a forward group that has shown flashes of chemistry despite the team’s well-documented struggles generating offensive volume. The top line featuring Mason Marchment, Matty Beniers, and Jordan Eberle has become Seattle’s most reliable offensive unit, combining Beniers’ playmaking vision with Eberle’s veteran scoring touch and Marchment’s physical presence. This trio will carry the primary responsibility of challenging Pittsburgh’s defensive structure.

The second line of Jaden Schwartz, Chandler Stephenson, and Eeli Tolvanen provides a balanced mix of speed and defensive responsibility. Schwartz’s experience and Stephenson’s two-way capabilities make this unit particularly effective in transition situations. The third line presents an intriguing combination of youth and skill, with rookie sensation Shane Wright flanked by Berkly Catton and Freddy Gaudreau. Wright’s development remains a focal point for the organization, and his deployment against Pittsburgh’s deeper lines offers valuable learning opportunities.

The fourth line will likely feature Tye Kartye, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, and Ryan Winterton. Fisker Molgaard’s recent NHL debut against Chicago, where he became just the second Danish player in league history to record a point in his first game, adds an inspirational element to Seattle’s bottom six. However, uncertainty surrounds Andre Burakovsky’s availability after the veteran forward left Thursday’s victory over Chicago following a hit from Ryan Lindgren in the opening period. His potential absence would force Lambert to adjust his forward rotation significantly.

On the blue line, Seattle’s defensive pairings project as follows: Vince Dunn alongside Adam Larsson forms the top pairing, with Dunn’s offensive instincts complementing Larsson’s steady defensive presence. The second pair of Ryan Lindgren and Brandon Montour brings physicality and puck-moving ability, while the third tandem featuring Ryker Evans and Jamie Oleksiak provides size and mobility. Notably, Oleksiak celebrated his 700th career game Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the former Penguins defenseman returning to his old stomping grounds.

Pittsburgh Penguins projected lineup November 22 2025

Pittsburgh head coach Dan Muse confronts difficult lineup decisions following Friday’s humbling performance in Minnesota. The goaltending situation sits atop his concerns after Arturs Silovs surrendered four goals on just 10 shots before being pulled in the second period. Sergei Murashov stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief, potentially positioning himself for his first start of the season Saturday. This marks the first time Muse has made an in-game goaltending swap this season, highlighting the urgency of Pittsburgh’s situation.

The forward group begins with the ever-reliable trio of Connor Dewar centering Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust on the top line. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Crosby continues performing at an elite level, providing leadership and offensive production. The second line features Kevin Hayes between Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha, combining size, skill, and playoff experience. This unit’s success often correlates directly with Pittsburgh’s overall offensive output.

The third line appears set with Tommy Novak, Ben Kindel, and Sam Poulin, who drew into the lineup Thursday in place of Philip Tomasino. Poulin’s inclusion represents an opportunity for the young forward to establish himself within the organization. The fourth line of Joona Koppanen, Blake Lizotte, and Danton Heinen brings energy and defensive awareness, though they’ll be tasked with matching Seattle’s physicality throughout the evening.

Defensively, Pittsburgh’s top pairing of Parker Wotherspoon and Erik Karlsson must rebound from a challenging performance against Minnesota. Karlsson’s offensive production from the blue line remains essential to Pittsburgh’s success, but defensive zone coverage has occasionally been problematic. The second pairing featuring Ryan Shea alongside Kris Letang brings Stanley Cup pedigree and leadership, while the third pair of Ryan Graves and Connor Clifton provides physical presence and shot-blocking capabilities.

Injury report and lineup implications

Both teams enter this contest managing significant injury concerns that directly affect their projected lineups. Seattle’s infirmary includes forward Jared McCann (lower body), winger Kaapo Kakko (lower body), and goaltender Matt Murray (lower body). Murray’s situation proves particularly disheartening, as the team announced a six-week absence after the former Penguins netminder had finally established himself as Seattle’s starter. Murray had allowed two goals or fewer in four of his five appearances before the injury, giving the Kraken stability between the pipes they hadn’t previously enjoyed.

The timing of Murray’s injury coincides almost directly with Joey Daccord’s return from injured reserve earlier this week. Daccord, who started 55 games for Seattle last season, struggled Tuesday against Detroit but showed improvement Thursday against Chicago. His presence provides crucial depth, though Philipp Grubauer is expected to start Saturday as Seattle begins a back-to-back set that concludes Sunday at the New York Islanders. This goaltending rotation strategy reflects Lambert’s trust in Grubauer’s experience while maintaining Daccord’s development timeline.

Pittsburgh’s injury list runs considerably longer and includes several key contributors. Rickard Rakell’s absence following hand surgery removes a reliable 20-goal scorer from the top six. Caleb Jones (lower body), Justin Brazeau (upper body), Noel Acciari (upper body), and Tristan Jarry (lower body) further deplete the Penguins’ depth. Filip Hallander’s blood clot situation and Ville Koivunen’s lower-body injury create additional challenges for Muse’s roster construction. These absences explain why players like Sam Poulin and Mathew Dumba find themselves rotating through the lineup as the coaching staff searches for effective combinations.

The rash of injuries has forced Pittsburgh to rely heavily on their core veterans, potentially contributing to fatigue issues following their international travel schedule. This factor could prove significant against a Seattle team that seems to be finding its rhythm after early-season offensive struggles.

Tactical keys and what to watch for

Seattle’s primary challenge involves generating shot volume and quality scoring chances. The Kraken enter Saturday ranked 31st in the NHL with just 24.6 shots per game and 28th with 2.7 goals per contest. Head coach Lane Lambert has been vocal about this deficiency, repeatedly emphasizing to his players that “you can’t score if you don’t shoot the puck.” Thursday’s victory over Chicago, where Seattle scored twice on nine even-strength shots in the third period, offered a blueprint for success, but consistency remains elusive.

The matchup between Seattle’s defensive structure and Pittsburgh’s star power presents a fascinating tactical battle. Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson will likely draw the assignment against Sidney Crosby’s line, with Dunn’s mobility crucial in neutral zone transitions. Meanwhile, the Kraken’s bottom six must avoid being overwhelmed by Pittsburgh’s depth, particularly if Evgeni Malkin’s line gains offensive zone time.

For Pittsburgh, the emphasis rests on defensive zone coverage and goaltending rebound performance. The Penguins cannot afford another slow start, especially against a Seattle team that has demonstrated third-period resilience. The communication between defensemen and goaltenders requires improvement after Friday’s breakdown against Minnesota. Additionally, Pittsburgh’s power play must capitalize on any opportunities, as special teams could determine the outcome in a potentially tight-checking affair.

The storylines extend beyond X’s and O’s. Jamie Oleksiak’s return to Pittsburgh after skating in his 700th career game carries emotional weight, while former Penguins goaltender Matt Murray watching from the Seattle press box adds a layer of intrigue. The Dane versus Dane narrative, with both Oscar Fisker Molgaard and Lars Eller making historical debuts this season, showcases the Kraken’s emerging international flavor.

Game prediction and championship implications

Both teams enter this contest understanding their respective positions within the broader playoff landscape. Seattle’s recent surge suggests a club figuring out its identity, with young players like Shane Wright and Berkly Catton gaining valuable experience alongside established veterans. The Kraken’s ability to earn points despite offensive struggles demonstrates defensive structure and goaltending depth that will serve them well throughout the season. A road victory against a desperate Penguins team would validate Seattle’s playoff credentials and provide momentum heading into Sunday night’s challenging matchup at the New York Islanders.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, faces a crossroads moment. The embarrassing loss to Minnesota exposed defensive vulnerabilities and raised questions about roster depth amid numerous injuries. However, teams featuring Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin can never be discounted, especially on home ice. The Penguins’ response Saturday will reveal much about their mental toughness and championship aspirations. A strong performance could reset their trajectory, while another defeat might force management to reassess their approach before the holiday roster freeze.

The goaltending matchup appears relatively even despite Pittsburgh’s uncertainty. Grubauer’s experience gives Seattle a slight edge in net, particularly given Murashov’s limited NHL exposure if he draws the start for Pittsburgh. However, momentum and home-ice advantage often prove decisive in these situations, suggesting the Penguins will come out with heightened intensity after Friday’s disappointment.

Expect a tightly contested, low-scoring affair with both teams emphasizing defensive responsibility. The first goal could prove crucial, as neither club wants to chase the game given their offensive limitations. Special teams may ultimately decide the outcome, with Pittsburgh’s power play facing Seattle’s penalty kill in a battle of strategic wills. The Kraken’s recent success in third periods indicates strong conditioning and coaching adjustments, potentially giving them an advantage if the game remains close entering the final frame.

Whichever team better executes their game plan while managing emotions will likely emerge victorious. For Seattle, that means generating more shots and continuing their recent defensive solidity. For Pittsburgh, it requires improved goaltending, tighter defensive zone coverage, and leverage their star power in crucial moments. The result will ripple through both locker rooms, influencing confidence levels as the NHL season approaches its quarter mark.