Lightning Vs Kraken: Projected Lineups, Picks & Injury Notes for Tonight
lightning vs kraken projected lineups, injury news and matchup picks are set for tonight’s game, with coaches and analysts flagging late decisions that will shape final rosters. The Lightning and the Kraken released forward and defensive groupings, plus scratches and injuries that affect depth and special-teams deployment. Betting analyst Todd Cordell highlights a shooting matchup to watch while Kraken coach Lane Lambert confirmed a key game-time decision.
Lightning Vs Kraken projected lineups
Projected Lightning forward lines listed: Brandon Hagel — Anthony Cirelli — Nikita Kucherov; Jake Guentzel — Brayden Point — Gage Goncalves; Zemgus Girgensons — Yanni Gourde — Pontus Holmberg; Corey Perry — Nick Paul — Oliver Bjorkstrand. Defense pairings shown: Ryan McDonagh — Charle-Edouard D’Astous. Scratches: Scott Sabourin, Declan Carlile. Injured: Dominic James (lower body), Max Crozier (core muscle), Emil Lilleberg (facial fracture).
Projected Kraken forward lines listed: Bobby McMann — Matty Beniers — Jordan Eberle; Jared McCann — Chandler Stephenson — Frederick Gaudreau; Berkly Catton — Shane Wright — Kappo Kaako; Ryan Winterton — Ben Meyers — Jacob Melanson. Defense and net: Ryan McDonagh — Charle-Edouard D’Astous is listed for the Lightning above; Kraken scratches include Josh Mahura, Cale Fleury, Matt Murray. Kraken injuries: Jaden Schwartz (upper body), Eeli Tolvanen (undisclosed).
Picks, matchup notes and immediate reactions
Todd Cordell, betting analyst, notes: “Our Lightning vs. Kraken predictions expect Darren Raddysh to take advantage of a golden shooting matchup. ” Cordell identifies Raddysh as a high-volume shot generator who ranks ninth among defensemen in shots on goal and has seen large upticks in shot volume; his recent per-game averages include 3. 7 shots on 7. 5 attempts, with 2. 5 shots cleared in 12 of his 16 games. The Kraken have allowed the fifth-most shots to defensemen over the past 10 games and have played at a Top-10 pace at 5-on-5 during that span, creating the volume Cordell highlights.
Kraken coach Lane Lambert provided the key lineup update: “Tolvanen will be a game-time decision; if Tolvanen cannot play, Gaudreau will take his spot on the second line, and Melanson will skate on the fourth line. ” The team also notes that Melanson has been a healthy scratch for the past two games and would return to the lineup if Tolvanen sits.
On the Lightning side, the team held an optional morning skate. Emil Lilleberg skated in a red noncontact jersey and wore a cage Tuesday; the defenseman continues to progress after sustaining a facial fracture during practice on March 4.
What to watch next
Final rosters will hinge on Tolvanen’s game-time status and any late decisions from Lightning coaches after pregame skates. Expect the Kraken to announce Tolvanen’s status before puck drop and for Gaudreau and Melanson to be slotted as described if Tolvanen is unavailable. Bettors and viewers should track Raddysh’s deployment at the point and Lilleberg’s recovery progress for how special teams and defensive matchups shape the result in the lightning vs kraken matchup.
