The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks are set to face off tonight, showcasing distinct projected lineups. Both teams have adjusted their rosters due to injuries and scratches, influencing their on-ice strategies.
San Jose Sharks Projected Lineup
The Sharks plan to deploy a forward group led by William Eklund, Macklin Celebrini, and Igor Chernyshov. The second line features Collin Graf, Alexander Wennberg, and Tyler Toffoli, aiming to combine skill and experience. Jeff Skinner anchors the third line, supported by Ty Dellandrea and Adam Gaudette. The fourth line includes Barclay Goodrow, Zack Ostapchuk, and Ryan Reaves, expected to bring physicality and defensive reliability.
On defense, Dmitry Orlov pairs with John Klingberg to stabilize the blue line. Mario Ferraro partners with Shakir Mukhamadullin, while Sam Dickinson teams with Vincent Iorio. The goaltending duties primarily fall to Yaroslav Askarov, with Alex Nedeljkovic available as backup.
Notably, Nick Leddy is scratched from tonight’s roster. The Sharks are coping with multiple injuries, with Vincent Desharnais, Philipp Kurashev, Will Smith, and Timothy Liljegren all sidelined due to upper-body injuries.
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup
The Ducks will open with a strong forward unit featuring Chris Kreider, Leo Carlsson, and Mikael Granlund. The second line includes Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke, blending youthful energy and scoring potential. After missing 13 games, Nikita Nesterenko returns to the lineup alongside Ryan Poehling and Troy Terry on the third line. The fourth line consists of Ross Johnston, Jansen Harkins, and Alex Killorn, focusing on depth and physical presence.
Their defensive pairs are Jackson LaCombe with Drew Helleson, Olen Zellweger with Jacob Trouba, and Pavel Mintyukov partnered with Ian Moore. Mintyukov returns after being scratched last game, filling in for Radko Gudas, who is out due to illness. Lukas Dostal will start in goal, backed by Petr Mrazek.
Ryan Strome is scratched for the Ducks. Forward Frank Vatrano continues to be sidelined with an upper-body injury, sustained after a hard collision in their recent loss to Los Angeles Kings. Ducks coach Joel Quenneville indicated that a complete diagnosis will come later today.
Injury and Roster Impact
Both teams face challenges with upper-body injuries affecting key players across forward and defense positions. The Ducks also navigate illness-related absences, requiring tactical shifts in their lineup. These changes highlight the importance of depth players stepping up in crucial moments to maintain competitiveness.
This match offers an opportunity to assess how the Sharks and Ducks manage roster adjustments while striving for victories. The lineups reflect a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, setting the stage for a competitive contest tonight.
Fans can expect a game where lineup flexibility and player resilience will be as decisive as skill and strategy. Both teams must adapt under current roster constraints to secure points in this pivotal meeting.
Read more at: www.nhl.com-
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