Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT).
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, 2645 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. This state-of-the-art arena, opened in 2016 with a seating capacity of 17,500 for hockey, is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights and known for its vibrant entertainment district location, high-energy fan base, and modern features like a massive video board and ice-level seating. The venue’s lively atmosphere often amplifies Vegas’ home-ice advantage, particularly in high-scoring games fueled by the city’s nightlife vibe.
Recent Team Forms
The Golden Knights are in a rut, having gone 1-5-3 in their last nine, while the Blue Jackets have been competitive but inconsistent on the road. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (most recent first):
Columbus Blue Jackets (2-3 in last 5; streak: L2):
Loss 3-5 vs. Buffalo (Jan 6; allowed 3 power-play goals, outshot 38-25).
Loss 1-5 vs. Anaheim (Jan 5; poor start, 0-3 in first period).
Win 4-3 OT at New York Rangers (Jan 2; comeback with 2 late goals).
Win 5-4 vs. Pittsburgh (Jan 1; high-scoring thriller).
Loss 2-4 vs. Ottawa (Dec 30; outscored 0-3 in second). Columbus has averaged 3.0 goals per game recently while allowing 4.2 in losses, with a -5 goal differential. Road form is middling (2-3 in last 5 away), hampered by a 16% power-play rate.
Vegas Golden Knights (1-4 in last 5; streak: L3):
Loss 3-5 vs. Pittsburgh (Jan 6; defensive collapse in third).
Loss 2-4 at Edmonton (Jan 4; outshot 35-28).
Loss 1-3 vs. Vancouver (Jan 2; managed only 22 shots).
Win 4-2 vs. Calgary (Jan 1; strong goaltending).
Loss 3-4 OT at Seattle (Dec 30; OT loss after tying late). Vegas has averaged 2.6 goals per game recently while allowing 3.6, with a -5 goal differential. Home form has slipped (1-4 in last 5 at T-Mobile), despite a 22% power-play rate.
Series History
The Golden Knights hold a strong all-time edge over the Blue Jackets, leading 8-6-1 in 15 regular-season meetings. Vegas has won 4 of the last 5 games, with an average total of 5.8 goals per game.
Previous Meeting (2025-26 Season): None yet; last was March 13, 2025 – Golden Knights 5-4 (at T-Mobile Arena; high-scoring win for Vegas).
Other Recent Games: March 6, 2018 – Golden Knights 4-1; January 23, 2018 – Blue Jackets 6-3. The series often features competitive, mid-scoring affairs (average margin 2.2 goals in last 5), with the over hitting in 6 of 10 recent matchups. Home teams are 7-3 in the last 10, and Vegas has won 5 of 6 at T-Mobile Arena against Columbus.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, impacting depth and goaltending. Updates as of January 8, 2026 (morning report; subject to change):
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Mason Marchment (F): Out – Upper Body (IR, week-to-week; retroactive to Jan. 4, major scoring loss).
Miles Wood (F): Out – Lower Body (IR; indefinite).
Isac Lundestrom (F): Out – Lower Body (IR; indefinite).
Brendan Smith (D): Out – Lower Body (IR; indefinite).
Erik Gudbranson (D): Out – Hip (IR; indefinite).
Zachary Werenski (D): Out – Undisclosed (from earlier report; confirm if current, defensive anchor missing). Columbus’ forward and defensive depth is severely depleted, forcing reliance on Sean Monahan and Boone Jenner.
Vegas Golden Knights:
Adin Hill (G): Out – Lower Body (week-to-week; hope mid-to-late January, primary starter sidelined).
Shea Theodore (D): Out – Upper Body (IR; indefinite).
Brayden McNabb (D): Out – Upper Body (IR; indefinite).
Jack Eichel (C): Day-to-Day – Muscle Strain (not long-term; probable).
Ivan Barbashev (F): Day-to-Day – Muscle Strain (not long-term; probable). Vegas’ goaltending and blue line are compromised, with Logan Thompson (.905 SV%) likely starting.
Key Player Matchups
With injuries affecting both sides, this game highlights veteran leadership vs. young talent in a projected low-to-mid scoring affair.
Zachary Werenski (CBJ, D, if playing) vs. Mark Stone (VGK, RW): Werenski’s offensive contributions from the blue line (team-high assists among D) face Stone’s two-way play and takeaway ability (top-10 in steals).
Boone Jenner (CBJ, C) vs. Tomas Hertl (VGK, C): Jenner (team-high goals) brings physicality in the slot; Hertl’s faceoff prowess (53%) could control possession for Vegas.
Sean Monahan (CBJ, C) vs. Jack Eichel (VGK, C, if playing): Monahan’s recent return boosts Columbus’ center depth; Eichel’s speed (20 goals) tests Ottawa’s transition defense.
Goaltending: Linus Ullmark or Joey Daccord (CBJ, .905 SV% combined) vs. Logan Thompson (VGK, .905 SV%) – Thompson’s home form could stabilize Vegas.
Betting Trends
Columbus Blue Jackets: 19-23 ATS overall; 9-13 ATS on the road. Unders have hit in 6 of last 10, but as underdogs, 7-14 SU and 10-11 ATS. 2-5 SU in last 7 vs Vegas, 2-5 SU in last 7 road games.
Vegas Golden Knights: 19-23 ATS; 10-11 ATS at home. Overs in 5 of last 10, but as favorites, 13-7 SU and 11-9 ATS. 1-5-3 SU in last 9 overall.
Head-to-Head Trends: Vegas 8-6-1 all-time; over in 6 of 10 (avg. 5.8 goals). Columbus 2-5 SU in last 7 vs Vegas; underdogs 4-6 ATS in series.
League-Wide: NHL unders cashing at 55% in inter-conference games; home favorites like Vegas are 58% ATS this season.
Game Odds
Columbus Blue Jackets 6.5
Vegas Golden Knights – 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 7, 2026
