In a season that began with the death of star left winger Johnny Gaudreau six weeks before opening night, the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting closer to ending a four-year playoff drought.

NHL slate includes the Vegas Golden Knights (31-15-5) hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets (24-19-7) at T-Mobile Arena, starting at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+. The Golden Knights rank third in the Western Conference with 67 points and the Blue Jackets are ninth in the Eastern Conference with 55 points.

The Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Vegas Golden Knights after the Blue Jackets beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 in overtime.

As they gear up to meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (24-19-7) on Thursday, January 30 at T-Mobile Arena, with the puck dropping at 10:00 PM ET, the Vegas Golden Knights (31-15-5) have three players currently listed on the injury report.

The Golden Knights are just 6-6-2 in January, but will look to end the month on a high note against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

Just at face value, the Blue Jackets need a player with such a long-term contract to be a reliable, significant part of their lineup. Beyond that, they may need to rely on Severson more heavily down the stretch this season depending on how the NHL trade deadline plays out on March 7.

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A case of mistaken identity, thoughts on the Calgary Flames surprising season as well as that of the Columbus Blue Jackets (including defenseman Zach Werenski) and a visit from Vegas Golden Knights Spanish broadcaster Jesus Lopez is all featured in this week's episode of "NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers" podcast presented by iHeartPodcasts.

There are plenty of betting possibilities to take into account for the upcoming game that has the Vegas Golden Knights clashing with the Columbus Blue Jackets at 10:00 PM ET on Thur 30. To get you prepared to place a bet or build a parlay,

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets could see Boone Jenner return to the lineup sooner than expected. Jenner has been out all season after suffering a shoulder injury at the end of training camp. He has since gotten the green light to join the team at practice, though he is still wearing a non-contact jersey.