Game day: Golden Knights face Blue Jackets looking to snap skid 

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) controls the puck with pressure from Los Angeles Kings left wing Trevor Moore (12) during the third period in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Photo by Alex Gallardo / AP

The Vegas Golden Knights are looking to avoid a third straight loss. They travel to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets at 4 p.m. today.

For a second straight game, a Golden Knight comeback fell short against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

After going down 2-0 early in the second period, a power play goal from Pavel Dorofeyev and a goal with six seconds left in the game by Noah Hanifin forced overtime.

However, 49 seconds into extra time, Erik Karlsson scored to halt the Golden Knights' momentum and hand them a second straight loss.

In the game prior, against Los Angeles on March 9, Vegas came within a goal of forcing overtime in the final minutes but couldn't get it done. 

The Golden Knights have come from behind to win 18 times this season but have not done so in their last two games.

Vegas is also looking for redemption from its game against Columbus earlier this season, a 2-1 overtime loss.

While points are important for the Golden Knights — looking to gain more separation as the leader in the Pacific Division — two points are even more crucial for the Blue Jackets. 

With 18 games left, the Blue Jackets are one point ahead of the New York Rangers for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Columbus has struggled to gain separation, having lost three of its last four.

A win for Vegas today would extend its Pacific Division lead to seven points, if the Edmonton Oilers were to lose to the Devils. If the Golden Knights lose and Edmonton wins, their lead shrinks to three points. 

Players to watch

Golden Knights: Jack Eichel (center) 63 games played, 20 points, 58 assists, 78 points; Pavel Dorofeyev (forward) 64 games played, 25 points, 16 assists, 41 points; Tomas Hertl (center) 64 games played, 27 goals, 25 assists, 52 points. 

Columbus: Zach Werenski (defense) 63 games played, 20 goals, 49 assists, 69 points; Kirill Marchenko (forward) 61 games played, 25 goals, 37 assists, 62 points; Kent Johnson (center) 50 games played, 21 goals, 24 assists, 45 points. 

Non-active players

Golden Knights: William Karlsson (lower body), Shea Theodore (arm), Raphael Lavoie (upper body). 

Columbus: Cole Sillinger (shoulder), Erik Gudbranson (shoulder), Sean Monahan (wrist), Kevin Labanc (shoulder). 

How to watch

TV: Scripps Sports (Cox Communications, channel 34). KnightTime+ (streaming), ESPN+ (streaming). 

Betting line

Golden Knights -198 Columbus +164. Over/under 6.5 (+100/-120) 

Who is in goal

Golden Knights: Adin Hill - 38 games played, 23-11-4 record, 2.60 goals against average, .904 save percentage, 3 shutouts. 

Columbus: Elvis Merzlikins - 43 games played, 22-17-4 record, 3.04 goals against average, .896 save percentage, 1 shutout.