The Vegas Golden Knights have received some good news ahead of their playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets. The team’s captain, Mark Stone, has been activated off long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and is set to play in Game 1.
Stone has been out of action since April 26th due to an undisclosed injury. The Golden Knights have been tight-lipped about the nature of the injury, but it was serious enough to keep him out for the last six games of the regular season.
The 29-year-old forward has been a key player for the Golden Knights since joining the team in a trade with the Ottawa Senators in February 2019. He has been a consistent scorer and a leader on and off the ice, earning the captaincy in January 2021.
Stone’s return is a huge boost for the Golden Knights as they look to make a deep playoff run. He finished the regular season with 21 goals and 39 assists in 55 games, leading the team in points. He also had a plus-minus rating of +26, which was tied for fourth-best in the league.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Stone is known for his defensive prowess. He is one of the best two-way forwards in the league and is often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s top players. His return will help shore up the Golden Knights’ defensive game, which has been a bit shaky at times this season.
The Golden Knights finished the regular season with a record of 40-14-2, good for first place in the West Division. They will face off against the Jets in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday, May 19th.
It remains to be seen how much of an impact Stone will have in his first game back after a lengthy absence. He will likely need some time to get back up to speed and regain his rhythm. However, his presence alone should give the Golden Knights a boost and help them in their quest for the Stanley Cup.
Overall, the news of Stone’s return is a positive development for the Golden Knights and their fans. He is a key player and a leader on the team, and his return should help the team in all areas of the game. It will be exciting to see him back on the ice and contributing to the team’s success in the playoffs.
