The Vegas Golden Knights announced a big boost to their lineup on Monday ahead of their first round Stanley Cup playoff matchup with the Winnipeg Jets. Captain Mark Stone will play.
Stone was activated from long term injured reserve Monday, and will play on Tuesday. He had been out since early January, last playing against Florida on Jan. 12. Getting him back will be a big boost to the Golden Knights forward group.
Golden Knights get Mark Stone back heading into Stanley Cup Playoffs
Vegas is the top team in the Western Conference, and with that comes facing off against the second Wild Card team in the standings, aka the Winnipeg Jets. While the Jets have been struggling to get to the finish line this season, they are still a great team with a proven goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck.
Even with Stone playing in just over half of the games this season, he is still eighth on the team in points. Stone put up 38 points including 17 goals in just 43 games on the year, and he has constantly been a game changer on the ice.
Stone has been through a lot this season, so seeing him back in the playoffs will be nice for Golden Knights fans.
Mark Stone said coming back from surgery, then getting re-injured and needing another was emotional. Said it brought tears to his eyes.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) April 17, 2023
On getting back in time for the playoffs:
“I don’t want to miss this.”
The Golden Knights captain will be a strong voice in their locker room, and one of the most experienced players in regards to the playoffs. Stone has played in 73 playoffs games over the years, however he has never made it past the conference finals – twice with Vegas and once with the Ottawa Senators.
Having him back is big, especially when considering who has been leading the team in points. I cannot wait to see how Jack Eichel does on the big stage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This is his first time in the postseason and it is definitely going to be fun to watch – especially with a potential second round matchup against Edmonton. Eichel has a team leading 66 points in 67 games this season. He definitely is going to be a difference maker, but now with Stone back, all the pressure doesn’t automatically fall on Eichel to be the guy.
Stone and the Golden Knights play in game one of their round one matchup against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night at 9:30 ET.