LAS VEGAS — In a disappointing turn of events, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 on January 9, 2026. The Blue Jackets jumped to an early 2-0 lead, but a series of missteps allowed the Golden Knights to seize control and secure the victory at T-Mobile Arena, in front of a crowd of 17,614.
The game began promisingly for Columbus, with Boone Jenner scoring first at 8:24 in the opening period, redirecting a shot from Zach Werenski. Just over two minutes later, Kent Johnson ended a 15-game goal drought, extending the lead to 2-0 after a setup from Sean Monahan. However, the tide quickly turned when Vegas responded with five unanswered goals, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience.
The Golden Knights, despite losing goaltender Carter Hart to injury early in the game, rallied to score four consecutive goals, taking advantage of defensive lapses by the Blue Jackets. The turning point came in the second period, where the Golden Knights scored three goals to establish a commanding 4-2 lead.
Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan expressed the need for greater determination among the players. “It comes down to how hard you’re going to compete and how bad you want it,” he said. “We’ve got to find ways to win games. We know we’ve got a good team.”
Despite a late-game goal from Kirill Marchenko that narrowed the score to 4-3, the Blue Jackets could not maintain the momentum. Just under two minutes later, the Golden Knights capitalized on a two-on-one opportunity, sealing the game with their fifth goal. The defeat marked the Blue Jackets’ third loss in a row and continued a troubling trend for the team, now sitting at 1-3-1 over their last five games.
Struggles and Identity Crisis
Coach Dean Evason defended his players, asserting their commitment and effort during the match. “Our guys are committed. They’re working their hardest, trying to score, trying to defend,” he noted. “At this point, we’re giving up one or two glaring mistakes. We’re just going to have to keep grinding and keep talking about it.”
As the team struggles to define its identity, questions linger about their performance this season. The Blue Jackets have not demonstrated consistent offensive or defensive capabilities, leading to a .500 record of 18-18-7. With a wild-card playoff spot slipping further away, they find themselves seven points behind the Buffalo Sabres, who currently occupy the second wild-card position.
The upcoming matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, who possess the best record in the NHL at 32-4-7 and remain unbeaten in regulation at home, presents an even greater challenge. The Blue Jackets will need to elevate their game significantly to contend with such a formidable opponent.
New Faces and Future Challenges
The game also marked the debut of defenseman Egor Zamula, who signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jackets earlier in the week. Playing alongside Dante Fabbro, Zamula logged 11:12 on the ice but ended with a minus-1 rating and two giveaways. Additionally, Mikael Pyyhtiä, called up from the AHL, made his season debut, contributing to the fourth line for 9:27 of gameplay.
As the Blue Jackets prepare for their next contest, the focus remains on resilience and determination. “We know how we need to play to win,” Jenner stated. “It starts with myself and the older guys on the team. We all have to give a little more to reach the standard we hold each other to.”
With the pressure mounting and the season reaching its midpoint, the Blue Jackets face a critical juncture that will define their trajectory as they strive for improvement and consistency.
