Golden Knights vs Oilers: Predicting Player Lineups and Rosters for the December 21st, 2025 Matchup

Tonight, the Vegas Golden Knights face off against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place in a highly anticipated matchup. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, holds significant weight in the tight Pacific Division standings. Both teams are coming off losses and are eager to get back in the win column.

Golden Knights Projected Lineup

The Golden Knights are dealing with key injuries and illnesses that are impacting their lineup. Jack Eichel is sidelined with an illness and a lower-body injury, while Shea Theodore is out with an upper-body injury.

Based on the latest reports, here's how the Golden Knights are expected to line up:

  • Forwards:

    • Mitch Marner — Tomas Hertl — Pavel Dorofeyev
    • Brandon Saad — Ivan Barbashev — Braeden Bowman
    • Reilly Smith — Brett Howden — Mark Stone
    • Cole Reinhardt — Colton Sissons — Keegan Kolesar
  • Defense:

    • Noah Hanifin — Zach Whitecloud
    • Brayden McNabb — Kaedan Korczak
    • Ben Hutton — Jeremy Lauzon
  • Goalies:

    • Carter Hart
    • Akira Schmid

Alexander Holtz is expected to be a scratch for the Golden Knights. Carter Hart is one win away from 100 in his career.

Oilers Projected Lineup

The Oilers also have their share of injuries to contend with. Tristan Jarry is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Connor Clattenburg is out long term with an eye injury, while Kasperi Kapanen is dealing with a knee injury. Noah Philp and Jake Walman are also on the injured list. Alec Regula is day-to-day with an illness.

Here's the projected lineup for the Oilers:

  • Forwards:

    • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Connor McDavid — Zach Hyman
    • Vasily Podkolzin — Leon Draisaitl — Jack Roslovic
    • Andrew Mangiapane — Adam Henrique — Matthew Savoie
    • Max Jones — Mattias Janmark — Trent Frederic
  • Defense:

    • Mattias Ekholm — Evan Bouchard
    • Darnell Nurse — Spencer Stastney
    • Riley Stillman — Ty Emberson
  • Goalies:

    • Connor Ingram
    • Calvin Pickard

Curtis Lazar and David Tomasek are expected to be scratched. Connor Ingram is expected to get his first start as an Oiler.

Recent Performance

The Golden Knights suffered a 6-3 defeat against the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Prior to that, they lost to the New Jersey Devils in a shootout. The Oilers are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

Keys to the Game

For the Golden Knights, solid goaltending from either Hart or Schmid will be crucial, as well as capitalizing on power-play opportunities. Mark Stone will need to continue his strong offensive play. The Oilers will rely on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to lead the charge. Connor Ingram will need to be solid in net for the Oilers.


Written By
Kabir Verma is a results-driven sports journalist who focuses on accuracy, insight, and audience engagement. He combines storytelling, analysis, and clear communication to craft impactful sports narratives. Kabir believes great journalism lies in simplifying complexity while keeping the passion intact. His goal is to inform, engage, and inspire every reader.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360