Vegas Golden Knights vs St. Louis Blues Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Friday January 2 2026

By: Kyle Kargel Published 01/02/2026, 08:53 AM ET
Use Code SSWC

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.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that StatSalt may use third-party services to process my data.

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.

  • 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

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

  • Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
  • If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
  • If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
  • Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Review
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No
FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Review
Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Cashable No
Fanatics

10 x $100 bet match in FanCash

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer Fanatics Review
Cashable No

ATS and Total Picks

  • Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5
  • Total: Over 5.5
>

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Copyright © 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.