The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a disappointing 5-3 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights on January 9, 2026, marking their third consecutive loss. The game, held at T-Mobile Arena, showcased the persistent struggles of the Blue Jackets, who took an early lead but failed to maintain their momentum against a formidable opponent.
The Blue Jackets began the match strong, taking a 2-0 lead within the first 11 minutes. Boone Jenner opened the scoring with a redirection of a shot from Zach Werenski at 8:24. Just over two minutes later, Kent Johnson ended a 15-game goal drought, assisted by Sean Monahan, pushing the score to 2-0. However, the tide shifted when the Golden Knights responded, a comeback fueled by four consecutive goals.
The Golden Knights, despite losing goaltender Carter Hart to injury early in the game, came back to dominate. They took control, scoring three times in the second period and once more in the third, ultimately sealing the victory with a two-on-one rush that capitalized on a Blue Jackets defensive lapse.
Monahan emphasized the need for his team to elevate their performance. “We know we’ve got a good team. We believe in each other, and we’ve got to up that belief,” he stated. “It’s about finding ways to win games. That’s something we’ve got to get back to, and we’ve got to do that right away.”
Despite the early advantage, the Blue Jackets struggled to defend their lead. Jet Greaves, who faced increased pressure in goal, allowed five goals on 26 shots. The team now holds a record of 18-18-7, placing them last in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff hopes appear dim, sitting seven points behind the Buffalo Sabres, who currently occupy the second wild-card spot.
The inability to maintain leads has become a recurring issue for the Blue Jackets. Coach Dean Evason defended his players, asserting their commitment and effort. “Our guys are committed. They’re working hard, trying to score and defend. It’s just one or two glaring mistakes that we need to address,” he remarked.
As the team prepares for their next challenge against the Colorado Avalanche—the NHL’s top team with a record of 32-4-7—players recognize the urgent need for improvement. Jenner acknowledged that the team’s performance has not met their own standards. “We know how we need to play to win. This little stretch here hasn’t been up to our standard,” he said.
New faces joined the Blue Jackets lineup in this game. Egor Zamula, a recently signed defenseman, made his debut, logging over 11 minutes of ice time. Additionally, Mikael Pyyhtiä was called up from AHL Cleveland due to injuries, contributing to the fourth line.
As the season progresses, the Blue Jackets must find consistency and resilience in their play. The challenge ahead is significant, and the team looks to regain its identity as they navigate through a tough stretch of games.