Vegas Golden Knights vs. St. Louis Blues: Injury Updates, Odds, and Key Stats for January 2, 2026
The St. Louis Blues open their 2026 calendar at home, hosting a Vegas Golden Knights squad desperate to snap a losing skid. This Friday afternoon clash at Enterprise Center is the second of three meetings this season, with both teams looking to build momentum in the Central and Pacific Divisions, respectively. With key injuries impacting the Blues’ lineup and Vegas fighting to regain its early-season form, this matchup is more than just another game on the schedule.
For Canadian fans, this 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT puck drop is a perfect afternoon hockey fix. The Blues hold a slight historical edge in recent meetings, but the Golden Knights have dominated the most recent encounters. Let’s break down the critical stats, injury reports, and what to expect when these two Western Conference foes collide.
Season Standings and Recent Form
As we turn the page to 2026, both teams find themselves in intriguing positions. The Golden Knights have collected points but have struggled to close out games, while the Blues are fighting to stay in the playoff conversation.
| Team | Record (W-L-OTL) | Points | Last 10 Games | Current Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | 17-10-11 | 45 | 3-4-3 | Lost 3 |
| St. Louis Blues | 15-18-8 | 38 | 4-5-1 | Lost 2 |
Head-to-Head History and Trends
The recent history between these clubs has been a rollercoaster. The Blues are 5-6-2 in their last 13 games against Vegas, but the Golden Knights have won the last two meetings this season and season, including a decisive 4-1 victory on November 15, 2025, sparked by Braeden Bowman’s first NHL goal.
| Date | Matchup | Result | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2025 | VGK @ STL | VGK 4 – 1 STL | Braeden Bowman’s 1st NHL goal & assist |
| Jan 24, 2025 | VGK @ STL | VGK 4 – 2 STL | Vegas road victory |
| Jan 21, 2025 | STL @ VGK | STL 5 – 4 VGK | Blues win in Vegas |
| Apr 29, 2022 | VGK @ STL | VGK 7 – 4 STL | Jack Eichel 3-point game |
Critical Injury Report for Both Sides
Injuries will play a significant role in this contest, particularly for the home team. The Blues are dealing with two notable absences up front.
| Team | Player | Injury | Status / Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Blues | Pius Suter (F) | Right Ankle | Out ~4 weeks (Late Jan 2026) |
| Nick Bjugstad (F) | Upper Body | IR (Expected Return Jan 7, 2026) | |
| Vegas Golden Knights | See official game notes | — | Check pre-game lineup for updates |
St. Louis will also see a lineup change, with Mathieu Joseph slotting back in on the fourth line, replacing Robby Fabbri. For the Blues, the loss of Suter’s secondary scoring (89 career goals) is a tangible setback as they face a tough stretch of games.
Key Player Milestone
“Colton Parayko is set to appear in his 765th career game, moving him into a tie with Alexander Steen for fourth on the Blues all-time franchise list in games played.” – St. Louis Blues Preview
Game Preview and What to Watch For
This game presents a classic clash of a team trying to find consistency (Vegas) versus a team battling adversity and a tough schedule (St. Louis). The Blues are starting their eighth set of back-to-back games this season; they are 3-3-1 in the first game of those sets. Fatigue management will be crucial.
For Vegas, the focus is on reversing their recent fortunes. Over their last 10 games, they’ve averaged 3.3 goals for but have allowed 3.4 against. Tightening up defensively and converting on the power play will be essential to breaking their three-game slide on the road.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to major sportsbooks, the Vegas Golden Knights are slight road favourites for this matchup, reflecting their stronger overall record and recent success against St. Louis. The moneyline, puck line, and over/under will be widely available across Canadian-regulated platforms. The key narrative for bettors is whether the Blues’ injury-depleted forward group can generate enough offence against a Vegas team hungry for a win.
How to Watch and Listen
Canadian fans can catch all the action through NHL Centre Ice or their preferred streaming service. For local broadcasts:
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network, First Alert 4, Matrix Midwest (Blues region).
- Radio: 101 ESPN (Blues broadcast), Blues App.
- Puck Drop: 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Golden Knights vs. Blues game on January 2, 2026?
The game starts at 2 p.m. Central Time (CT), which is 12 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) and 3 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Who is injured for the St. Louis Blues?
The Blues will be without forwards Pius Suter (right ankle, 4 weeks) and Nick Bjugstad (upper body, IR). Their absence significantly impacts the team’s forward depth and scoring.
What is the recent head-to-head record between these teams?
The Vegas Golden Knights have won the last two meetings, including a 4-1 victory on November 15, 2025. However, the Blues are 5-6-2 in the last 13 overall matchups against Vegas.
Where is the game being played?
The game is at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the Blues’ first home game of the 2026 calendar year.