The Colorado Avalanche are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena tonight, December 16, 2025, at 10:00 PM EST. Here's a look at the projected lineups and what to expect from both teams.

Colorado Avalanche (23-2-7)

The Avalanche are coming into this game in strong form, having won their second straight game with a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday. They've secured points in four of their last five games, showcasing a potent offense that averages five goals per game while allowing just 2.4. Colorado leads the league in both goals scored and fewest goals allowed per game.

Here's the projected lineup for the Avalanche:

• Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas / Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin / Victor Olofsson — Ross Colton — Gavin Brindley / Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
• Defense: Devon Toews — Cale Makar / Josh Manson — Brent Burns / Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
• Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood / Scott Wedgewood

Logan O'Connor remains out with a hip injury. Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to start in goal for the Avalanche. Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a key player for the Avalanche, leading the team with 55 points. Martin Necas has also been a significant contributor with 43 points.

Seattle Kraken (12-12-6)

The Kraken, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after struggling recently. They dropped their second straight game on Sunday, suffering a 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. In their last five games, they have a 1-4-0 record, averaging 2.2 goals per game while allowing 3.6.

Here's the projected lineup for the Kraken:

• Forwards: Eeli Tolvanen — Matty Beniers — Jordan Eberle / Mason Marchment — Chandler Stephenson — Frederick Gaudreau / Jani Nyman — Shane Wright — Kaapo Kakko / Jacob Melanson — Ben Meyers — Ryan Winterton
• Defense: Vince Dunn — Adam Larsson / Ryan Lindgren — Brandon Montour / Jamie Oleksiak — Josh Mahura
• Goaltenders: Philipp Grubauer / Joey Daccord

The Kraken have several players on injured reserve, including Matt Murray (lower body), Jaden Schwartz (lower body), Berkly Catton (upper body), and Jared McCann (lower body). Mason Marchment is expected to play after missing Sunday's game due to illness. Kaapo Kakko and Vince Dunn missed practice due to illness, but Kraken coach Lane Lambert believes they will be able to play. Philipp Grubauer is likely to start in goal.

Players to Watch

• Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon has been outstanding this season, and Joel Kiviranta has a strong history against the Kraken, including a hat trick in their final meeting last season.
• Seattle Kraken: Matty Beniers has shown promise against the Avalanche in the past, and Vince Dunn has been a consistent contributor on offense.

Keys to the Game

For the Avalanche, maintaining their offensive pressure and capitalizing on Seattle's struggling penalty kill will be crucial. The Kraken need to improve their scoring efficiency and tighten up defensively to contain Colorado's potent attack.

The game will be broadcast on HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, and ALT.