Golden Knights' Mark Stone Has Been Cleared To Practice
Vegas Golden Knights' captain Mark Stone has been cleared to resume skating again. He'll skate in a red-non contact jersey.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports - Golden Knights' Mark Stone Has Been Cleared To PracticeVegas Golden Knights' captain Mark Stone has been cleared to resume skating again. He'll skate in a red-non contact jersey.
A lot of controversy has followed the Golden Knights since it was announced that Stone suffered a lacerated spleen on Feb. 20. The Golden Knights used the LTIR money to acquire Anthony Mantha, Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl.
Stone skating with the team doesn't mean it's a guarantee that he'll be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs but it's a positive sign. He likely won't play in any regular season games due to the salary cap and because they don't need to rush him back.
The 31-year-old played a massive role in the Golden Knights Stanley Cup run last season. In 22 games he scored 11 goals and 24 points while being a two-way force. He scored timely goals and impacted the game every shift.
The Golden Knights will have a tougher run to the Stanley Cup than they did last year. Last season they finished first in the Pacific Division and played the Winnipeg Jets in the first round. This season they may very well finish as the final wild-card team and play the Dallas Stars.
The team has missed Mark Stone. They've struggled to find consistency in every aspect of their game. They've gone through stretches where their offence can't produce and stretches where their defence can't keep the puck out of their net. They haven't been able to find the balance in their game resulting in both win streaks and losing streaks.
Stone's return can help the Golden Knights find the balance they need to be successful.
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