Mark Stone’s Return to the Vegas Golden Knights
In a significant boost for the Vegas Golden Knights, captain Mark Stone is set to return to the lineup after recovering from a wrist injury. Stone participated in the morning skate on Wednesday and is slated to play against the Ottawa Senators, marking his comeback after being placed on injured reserve on October 20. During the initial phase of the season, he demonstrated exceptional form by accumulating 13 points over six games before his injury sidelined him.
Head Coach’s Enthusiasm
Head coach Bruce Cassidy expressed his enthusiasm about Stone’s return, emphasizing the positive impact he has on the team’s dynamics both on the ice and in the locker room.
“It’s great to have his energy back. He’s a leader, and he just makes our team better,”
Cassidy stated.
Stone’s Recovery and Readiness
Since his injury, Stone has been skating with the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate in Henderson, which he credits for his readiness to rejoin the main roster sooner than expected.
“If I didn’t have that opportunity, I would probably be looking more at Friday,”
Stone explained.
“Everything’s healed. I got the practices I needed. I’m ready to go.”
Lineup Adjustments
Originally a top-line player, Stone will start tonight as the third-line center, with Mitch Marner shifting to wing. Meanwhile, rookie Braeden Bowman, who has made a notable impact with four goals and two assists in his first seven games, will continue to play alongside Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev on the top line. Despite this arrangement, Cassidy remains open to adjusting player positions as necessary, stating,
“We’re going to try it this way to start. You might see both tonight.”
Power Play Dynamics
As part of his role, Stone will also step in on the top power play unit, which had been thriving with a 9-for-24 success rate prior to his injury but struggled significantly afterward, converting only three out of the following 34 attempts. Recently, however, with Bowman contributing, the power play has shouted back to life with a 6-for-19 record over the last six games.
Stone’s Injury Struggles
Stone, now 33, has had his share of injury struggles in recent seasons, having played just 66 games over the last season, his highest output since the 2018-19 season. Reflecting on his time away from the game due to rehab, he shared,
“Every injury is frustrating. I don’t enjoy rehabbing. I have unfortunately gotten good at it, but no rehab’s fun. I’m excited to be back.”
