Columbus Blue Jackets vs Vegas Golden Knights Pick and Prediction for Thursday January 8 2025
The Columbus Blue Jackets head to T-Mobile Arena to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, January 8, 2026. This 10:00 PM EST matchup, streaming on ESPN+, features a Golden Knights team looking to build on a thrilling overtime victory against Winnipeg, while the Blue Jackets aim to bounce back after a loss in San Jose. Vegas took the first meeting of the season with a tight 3-2 win in December. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
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Columbus Blue Jackets Navigating Roster Turnover
The Blue Jackets enter with an 18-17-7 record and a 9-10-3 mark on the road. Columbus has been competitive in the Metropolitan Division but has struggled with consistency, surrendering 3.36 goals per game. Their offense averages 2.98 goals per game, supported by a power play converting at 17.9%.
Columbus is currently managing several injuries to their veteran core. Mason Marchment is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury and did not travel for the start of this road trip. The blue line is also shorthanded, with Brendan Smith on Injured Reserve due to a leg injury and Erik Gudbranson sidelined with a hip issue. Additionally, Miles Wood and Isac Lundestrom remain on Injured Reserve with lower-body injuries. In a move to bolster their defense, the club recently signed Egor Zamula to a one-year contract, and he is expected to be available for tonight's contest.
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| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
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Vegas Golden Knights Battling "January Curse"
The Golden Knights sit at 18-11-12 and are fighting to stay atop a crowded Pacific Division. While Vegas has a reputation for home dominance, they have been middle-of-the-pack at T-Mobile Arena this season with an 8-6-6 record. They average 3.10 goals per game and feature a dangerous 25.2% power play, but they have struggled to close out games in regulation, leading the league in overtime appearances.
Vegas is currently enduring a significant injury bug that has hit their defensive depth and goaltending. Adin Hill is on Injured Reserve with a groin injury and is not expected back until mid-January. On the blue line, Brayden McNabb is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, and Shea Theodore is on Injured Reserve with an upper-body ailment. Down the middle, William Karlsson is on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) with a lower-body injury. In better news, the team's top center recently returned to the lineup and has already resumed his role as the primary offensive catalyst.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
This is a matchup between two teams heavily reliant on their power plays but missing key defensive stalwarts. Vegas has struggled at home recently but has the high-end talent to exploit a Columbus defense that allows over 30 shots per game. However, Columbus has shown resilience on the road and rarely gets blown out, making the puck line a compelling look.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Columbus Blue Jackets ATS Pick
- Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (-175)
Vegas has struggled to win games convincingly lately, with many of their recent contests going to overtime or being decided by a single goal. With Adin Hill, Brayden McNabb, and Shea Theodore all sidelined, the Golden Knights' defensive structure is vulnerable. Columbus should be able to keep this within a one-goal margin, especially with their recently bolstered blue line.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Total Pick
- Pick: Over 6.5 (-105)
Both teams are missing their primary defensive anchors and starting goaltenders. Vegas has a top-five power play that should feast on Columbus’s 76.0% penalty kill. Conversely, Columbus has enough offensive depth to capitalize on a Vegas defense missing two of its top three minute-getters. Expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair in the desert.
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