Golden Knights Captain Stone Returns to Face Senators
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone will make his return against the Ottawa Senators after recovering from a wrist injury. He participated in Wednesday’s morning skate and is ready to join his teammates on the ice once again.
Mark Stone’s Injury and Return
Stone has been sidelined since October 20, when he was placed on injured reserve. Prior to his injury, he had an impressive performance, accumulating 13 points in just six games. His return is seen as crucial for the Golden Knights’ performance.
“It’s good to have his energy back,” said head coach Bruce Cassidy. “He’s a leader and makes our team better.”
Practice and Recovery
During his recovery, Stone skated with the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate in Henderson. He expressed confidence about his condition and noted, “Everything’s healed. I got the practices I needed. I’m ready to go.” If not for this training opportunity, Stone suggested he might have returned later in the week.
Team Changes and Lineup Adjustments
Stone will initially play as the third-line center against the Senators, with Mitch Marner moved to the wing. Braeden Bowman, a promising rookie, will remain on the top line alongside Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev. Bowman has shown potential, scoring four goals and two assists within his first seven games.
- Stone’s power play replacement: He will take Over the top unit, which previously showed effectiveness with a 9 of 24 record.
- Recent power play performance: The Golden Knights converted only three of 34 opportunities in Stone’s absence but rebounded to 6 of 19 in the last six games.
Stone’s recent history includes struggles with injuries. Last season, he played 66 games, the highest since 2018-19. He commented on the challenges of rehabilitation, saying, “Every injury is frustrating. I don’t enjoy rehabbing.”
Excited to be back, Stone aims to contribute to the team’s success against Ottawa. His leadership and skill on the ice are sure to impact the Golden Knights’ performance positively.
