Vegas Golden Knights vs St. Louis Blues Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Friday January 2 2026
Vegas Golden Knights vs St. Louis Blues picks headline Friday’s NHL slate, and this matchup stands out immediately when breaking down today’s NHL picks. With Vegas entering as a clear road favorite and St. Louis dealing with depth issues, the numbers point toward a fairly defined betting edge.
TLDR - Picks and Prediction
- Puck Line Pick: Golden Knights -1.5
- Total Pick: Over 5.5
- Projected Final Score: Golden Knights 4, Blues 2
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| Date | Time | Vegas | St. Louis | Public ($, #) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01 | 09:36AM | -156 | +130 |
Line Movement - Puck Line
| Date | Time | Vegas | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01 | 09:36AM | -1.5 | +1.5 |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01 | 09:36AM | 5.5 -128 | 5.5 +104 |
Team vs Team Game Preview and Analysis: Golden Knights vs Blues
Vegas hits the road with a clear statistical edge in this matchup. While the Golden Knights’ offense has been middle of the pack, they still generate more scoring chances than St. Louis, whose attack ranks near the bottom of the league in both goals and shots. That gap becomes more important when paired with defensive metrics that favor Vegas.
Defensively, the Golden Knights suppress shots and quality looks at a higher rate than the Blues. St. Louis continues to leak goals, allowing well over three goals per game, and that vulnerability has been magnified against stronger opponents. Vegas has already shown it can control this matchup, highlighted by a 4-1 win earlier in the season where they limited scoring chances throughout.
Injuries further tilt the ice. Vegas has some question marks, but St. Louis is missing multiple forwards, leaving its lineup thin and forcing larger roles onto depth players. That imbalance tends to show up over 60 minutes, especially if the Knights establish zone time and force extended defensive shifts.
From a totals perspective, both teams bring volatility in goal. Vegas has allowed goals in bunches during recent losses, and St. Louis’ defensive issues create opportunities on the other end. With the number sitting at 5.5, the over becomes attractive given how easily this game can reach six goals.
Stats to Know and Betting Trends for Golden Knights vs Blues
- Vegas scores more than three goals per game, outperforming St. Louis offensively.
- The Blues allow 3.44 goals per game, one of the higher marks in the league.
- Vegas has won recent head-to-head meetings, including a 4-1 victory earlier this season.
- St. Louis’ offense ranks near the bottom of the NHL in shots generated.
Key Injuries and Notes VGK and STL
- VGK: Jack Eichel is questionable with illness, Brayden McNabb is day-to-day, Shea Theodore remains out.
- STL: Nathan Walker, Nick Bjugstad, Pius Suter, and Dylan Holloway are all out.
Final Score Prediction
Vegas’ depth and defensive structure should wear down a depleted St. Louis lineup over the course of the game.
Final Score: Golden Knights 4, Blues 2
ATS and Total Picks
- Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5
- Total: Over 5.5