Mark Stone will return for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, with the Golden Knights holding a 2-0 lead. Head coach John Tortorella confirmed Stone’s comeback after a lower-body injury ended his night early in Gam
Mark Stone is back in the picture for the Golden Knights.
Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella told reporters that Stone will return to the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Stone last played in Game 3 of the second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks. The forward suffered a lower-body injury in that game and exited after just 4:24 of ice time.
His return matters not only because of what he can do on the ice. but because of what Noah Hanifin described when Stone is in the room. “His talent speaks for itself. but his character and leadership. just to have him back in the room. get his voice back. is going to be huge for our team. ” the Golden Knights defenseman said. Hanifin added, “Any time he comes back, it’s like he didn’t miss a beat.”.
Stone tested his readiness in the days leading up to Sunday. He showed few, if any, limitations while taking part in an optional skate Saturday. The forward also skated when the team was in Denver for the first two games of the series.
Through nine games of this post-season, Stone has three goals and four assists.
The bigger weight behind the comeback sits in the timing. The Golden Knights are already in front in the West final, leading the Avalanche 2-0.
Stone’s career has also been shaped by the grind of injuries. He has continuously battled injuries throughout his career, and he has not appeared in more than 70 games in a regular season since 2016-17.
This season, Stone played 60 games, totaling 28 goals and 45 assists.
Golden Knights Mark Stone Colorado Avalanche Western Conference Final Game 3 John Tortorella Noah Hanifin NHL playoffs