Seattle Kraken vs St. Louis Blues projected lineup and storylines for November 8, 2025

Seattle Kraken vs St. Louis Blues projected lineup November 8 2025: Forward combinations

The forward lines for both teams showcase interesting tactical decisions that reflect their current situations. Seattle’s top line features Jaden Schwartz, Matty Beniers, and Kaapo Kakko, a combination that brings veteran presence alongside emerging talent. Schwartz has been productive with three goals and five assists through the early portion of the season, providing the leadership this line needs.

The second line sees Berkly Catton skating between Chandler Stephenson and Jordan Eberle, with Eberle leading the team in scoring with eight points from five goals and three assists. This trio offers offensive creativity and should be a focal point of Seattle’s attack against a Blues defense that has struggled at times this season.

For the Blues, the headline is Jordan Kyrou’s return to the top line alongside Brayden Schenn and Robert Thomas. Blues head coach Jim Montgomery made the bold decision to scratch Kyrou for Thursday’s game in Buffalo, sending a message about accountability and standards. Montgomery explained, “Everybody has a role and responsibility on our team. When you don’t live up to your standard, you risk the chance of coming out of the lineup.” Kyrou’s response to this healthy scratch will be one of the game’s most intriguing subplots.

The Blues’ second line features Dylan Holloway, Pius Suter, and Pavel Buchnevich, a combination that provides two-way reliability and offensive punch. The third line includes Alexey Toropchenko, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Jimmy Snuggerud, showcasing some of the organization’s developing talent. Nathan Walker, Nick Bjugstad, and Mathieu Joseph round out the fourth line, offering energy and defensive responsibility.

Seattle’s bottom six includes Mason Marchment, Shane Wright, and Ryan Winterton on the third line, while Tye Kartye, Ben Meyers, and Eeli Tolvanen comprise the fourth unit. This depth has been tested extensively due to injuries, with Frederick Gaudreau and Jared McCann both sidelined, forcing coach Lane Lambert to rely on younger players to step up in expanded roles.

The absence of McCann, who has been a consistent offensive contributor for the Kraken, creates opportunities for players like Catton and Winterton to prove themselves in increased minutes. These lineup adjustments will test Seattle’s organizational depth and could significantly impact the team’s offensive output.

Seattle Kraken vs St. Louis Blues projected lineup November 8 2025: Defensive pairings and strategies

The blue line matchups present fascinating tactical considerations for both teams. Seattle’s top pairing of Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson brings experience and reliability, with Dunn offering offensive capabilities from the back end while Larsson provides steady defensive play. This pairing will likely draw the assignment of containing the Blues’ top offensive threats, particularly when Kyrou returns to the lineup.

Ryan Lindgren and Brandon Montour form the Kraken’s second pairing, combining Lindgren’s defensive acumen with Montour’s ability to transition the puck effectively. Josh Mahura and Jamie Oleksiak complete Seattle’s defensive corps, providing size and physicality on the third pairing. The Kraken are dealing with injuries to both Ryker Evans and Joey Daccord (upper body), which has forced defensive adjustments and tested their depth.

St. Louis counters with Philip Broberg alongside Colton Parayko on the top pairing. Broberg, acquired in the offseason, has been integrating into the Blues’ system and provides mobility and puck-moving ability. Parayko remains the defensive anchor, using his 6-foot-6 frame to shut down opposing forwards and provide a physical presence.

The second pairing features veterans Cam Fowler and Justin Faulk, both of whom bring playoff experience and can contribute in all situations. Tyler Tucker and Matthew Kessel make up the third pairing, with Tucker being a younger player gaining NHL experience. The Blues have Logan Mailloux scratched, indicating Montgomery’s satisfaction with his current defensive alignment.

These defensive units will play crucial roles in controlling play through the neutral zone and managing odd-man rushes. The Blues’ defense has shown improvement following their disappointing loss in Washington, responding with a solid performance against Buffalo that contributed to Joel Hofer’s shutout.

Looking at the special teams battle, both defensive groups will need to be sharp on the penalty kill while contributing to power-play success. Montgomery’s recent tactical adjustments have emphasized defensive structure and responsibility, something that will be tested against a Kraken team that can generate offense through multiple lines despite its injury challenges. Similar tactical adjustments have been evident in recent Blues matchups, where defensive structure has been a focal point.

Seattle Kraken vs St. Louis Blues projected lineup November 8 2025: Goaltending matchup analysis

The goaltending situation presents one of the game’s most compelling storylines. Seattle will turn to Philipp Grubauer after Joey Daccord was ruled day-to-day with an upper body injury and didn’t make the two-game road trip. Grubauer, who has experienced an inconsistent season, faces the challenge of providing stability in net while Seattle’s primary starter recovers. Matt Murray serves as the backup, offering experienced depth should Grubauer falter.

For St. Louis, Joel Hofer gets the nod for his second consecutive start after posting a shutout against Buffalo. Montgomery made it clear that Hofer earned this opportunity with his performance. “I’ve always thought that if a goalie has a shutout, he should start the next game unless you’re on a hard back to back with travel, less than 24 hours (rest), and you’ve given up like 40 shots,” Montgomery explained. “He got a shutout, he played great, he’s the No. 1 reason why we won and he deserves the opportunity to get us going on a roll.”

This decision demonstrates Montgomery’s commitment to rewarding strong performances and riding the hot hand. Hofer stopped all 27 shots he faced against the Sabres, earning his first shutout of the season and providing a much-needed boost to a Blues team that had been struggling with consistency. This will mark Hofer’s first opportunity to start consecutive games this season, a test of his ability to maintain that high level of play.

Jordan Binnington, who has been the Blues’ primary starter, will serve as backup. The competition for the starting role remains fluid, with Hofer’s recent performance potentially earning him additional starts if he continues this level of play. The Blues’ goaltending situation has been a topic of discussion throughout the early season, making Hofer’s emergence particularly timely.

The contrast in goaltending situations could influence both teams’ approaches. Seattle may look to generate more shots and test a young goaltender making his second straight start, while the Blues might play with increased confidence knowing they have momentum in net. Hofer’s ability to handle the pressure of consecutive starts and build on his shutout performance will be critical to the Blues’ success.

The battle between the pipes could ultimately determine the outcome, especially in what projects to be a tightly contested game between two teams with similar records. Grubauer’s experience gives him an advantage in terms of big-game composure, but Hofer’s current confidence and momentum could prove equally valuable.

Key injuries and roster decisions impacting Seattle Kraken vs St. Louis Blues projected lineup November 8 2025

The injury report significantly impacts both teams’ approaches to this matchup. Seattle enters particularly shorthanded, missing four players to various injuries. Joey Daccord’s upper body injury forces the Kraken to rely on Grubauer, while Ryker Evans’ absence removes a key defensive piece. Frederick Gaudreau and Jared McCann being sidelined with upper and lower body injuries respectively depletes Seattle’s forward depth considerably.

McCann’s absence is particularly notable, as he’s typically a significant offensive contributor for the Kraken. His 20-plus goal capability leaves a void that the team must fill by committee. Gaudreau’s injury removes a reliable two-way center who provides valuable minutes in various situations. These absences have forced coach Lane Lambert to shuffle his lineup combinations and rely on less experienced players in elevated roles.

The Kraken also have Cale Fleury and Jani Nyman as healthy scratches, indicating Lambert’s current satisfaction with his lineup composition despite the injury challenges. These depth pieces remain available if lineup adjustments become necessary during the game or in subsequent contests.

For St. Louis, Jake Neighbours remains out with a leg injury, removing a young forward who has shown promise in the Blues’ system. However, the bigger roster story is the return of Jordan Kyrou after his healthy scratch. Montgomery’s decision to sit Kyrou sent shockwaves through the organization and demonstrated his willingness to hold star players accountable regardless of their contract status or reputation.

Oskar Sundqvist and Alexandre Texier are healthy scratches for the Blues, with Sundqvist sitting for the second consecutive game. Logan Mailloux also remains out of the lineup on defense. These decisions reflect Montgomery’s preference for his current roster configuration and his emphasis on rewarding players who meet his standards for effort and execution. The tactical flexibility shown by Montgomery mirrors strategies employed in previous games this season where lineup adjustments have been used to spark better team performance.

The injury situations create different challenges for each team. Seattle must find ways to generate offense without some of its key contributors, relying on depth players to exceed expectations. St. Louis faces the challenge of reintegrating Kyrou and ensuring the message sent by his benching translates into improved on-ice performance. Montgomery stated he expects Kyrou “to be good tonight,” indicating confidence that the reset will produce positive results.

Seattle Kraken vs St. Louis Blues projected lineup November 8 2025: Strategic implications and what to watch

This matchup carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate the early portion of the season. The Kraken have shown resilience in compiling their 6-3-4 record despite mounting injuries, demonstrating organizational depth and strong coaching. A road victory in St. Louis would further validate their status as a competitive team in the Western Conference and show they can win even when not at full strength.

For the Blues, building on their shutout victory over Buffalo becomes paramount. At 5-8-2, they need to string together wins and climb in the standings before falling too far behind in a competitive Central Division. Montgomery’s coaching decisions, including scratching Kyrou and rewarding Hofer with consecutive starts, indicate a willingness to make bold moves to spark his team. The response to these decisions will reveal much about the team’s character and championship potential.

Special teams could play a decisive role in this contest. Both teams need to capitalize on power-play opportunities while maintaining discipline on the penalty kill. The Blues’ man advantage has been inconsistent this season, and finding success could provide the confidence boost needed to jumpstart their offensive attack. Seattle’s penalty kill will be tested without some of its regular contributors, placing additional pressure on the remaining personnel.

The individual battle between Jordan Kyrou and the Kraken’s defensive corps will draw considerable attention. How Kyrou responds to his benching could set the tone for his season and the Blues’ trajectory. If he dominates, Montgomery’s decision looks brilliant. If he struggles, questions about the coaching approach and player management will intensify.

Watch for how both teams manage puck possession and transition play. The Kraken have been effective at generating chances through quick transitions and active defensemen joining the rush. The Blues, conversely, have focused recently on defensive structure and limiting high-danger chances. The clash of these styles should produce entertaining hockey with momentum swings throughout the game.

The depth scoring battle will also prove critical. With so many regulars out for Seattle and the Blues relying on younger players in their bottom six, which role players step up could determine the outcome. Players like Dvorsky, Snuggerud, Catton, and Winterton have opportunities to make significant impacts and establish themselves as reliable contributors.

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As puck drop approaches at Enterprise Center, both teams understand the importance of this November clash. The Kraken seek to prove their legitimacy as contenders despite injuries, while the Blues aim to build momentum and establish consistency under their demanding new coach. The projected lineups reflect each team’s current circumstances and strategic priorities, setting the stage for a compelling hockey game. Joel Hofer’s consecutive start and Jordan Kyrou’s return from his benching provide narrative hooks that extend beyond the statistics, reminding us that hockey remains as much about character and response to adversity as it is about talent and tactics. For detailed coverage and analysis, the official NHL game preview provides comprehensive information on both teams’ situations heading into this matchup.