SAN JOSE, CA – The Florida Panthers face off against the San Jose Sharks tonight at 10 p.m. ET at the SAP Center. Here's a look at the projected lineups, considering recent injuries and performance.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers (7-6-1) have been hit hard by injuries this season. Key players like Matthew Tkachuk (lower body), Aleksander Barkov (knee), and Tomas Nosek (knee) are currently sidelined. Forward Jonah Gadjovich is also out for approximately three months following surgery for an upper-body injury sustained in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 25th. Dmitry Kulikov is also on the long-term injured list due to a shoulder injury.
Based on the latest information, here's a projection of the Panthers' lineup:
- Forwards: Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand ; Carter Verhaeghe – Evan Rodrigues – Sam Reinhart ; Jesper Boqvist – Sam Bennett – Mackie Samoskevich ; A.J. Greer – Cole Schwindt – Noah Gregor
- Defense: Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad; Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones; Donovan Sebrango – Jeff Petry
- Goalies: Daniil Tarasov, Sergei Bobrovsky
Uvis Balinskis and Luke Kunin are expected to be scratched.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks (6-6-3) are also dealing with their share of injuries. William Eklund (lower body), Nick Leddy (upper body), and Michael Misa (lower body) are currently out of the lineup. Misa's absence is particularly noteworthy, as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft was set to center the third line before suffering a lower-body injury during a morning skate.
Here’s the projected Sharks lineup:
- Note: The specific forward lines are not available in the search results.
- Forwards: Line combinations are uncertain due to Misa's injury. Adam Gaudette is expected to return to the lineup after recovering from an upper-body injury.
- Defense: Not available in the search results.
- Goalies: Not available in the search results.
Vincent Iorio, Sam Dickinson, and Zack Ostapchuk are likely to be scratched.
Keys to the Game
For the Panthers, overcoming their injury woes will be crucial. They'll need players like Reinhart, Rodrigues and Marchand to step up offensively. Strong goaltending from Tarasov or Bobrovsky will also be essential.
The Sharks will need to capitalize on the Panthers' weakened state. With Misa out, other forwards will need to elevate their game. Solid defense and goaltending will be vital to containing the Panthers' offensive threats.
