The Vegas Golden Knights captain, Mark Stone, is out of COVID protocol and made his way to Raleigh, NC prior to the start of the Vegas Golden Knights vs Carolina Hurricanes game.
Mark Stone was placed on COVID protocol which required him to miss at least five days. With not much certainty around when he’d actually be able to return, everything happens at the right time.
Last night before puck-drop against the Washington Capitals it broke that their alternate, Reilly Smith, had been placed into COVID protocols and would miss the next five days at least. However, as I stated above Mark Stone was able to fill Smith’s spot against the Hurricanes.
After losing their captain, Mark Stone, and alternate, Max Pacioretty, the team was once again in bad shape. There have been a lot of different moves, both in the form of call-ups and lineups but now that the Knights have Mark Stone back in the lineup- everything balanced back out. Well, at least good enough.
So, I’ve already been talking a little bit too long so I’ll just cut to the chase, how did Mark Stone do in his first game back?
Mark Stone’s First Game Back Breakdown
Mark Stone made an immediate impact for the Golden Knights. From the minute he stepped on the ice, he was making things happen. Now, although it didn’t lead to a goal or an assist, he made an impact on the penalty kill, the power play, and was simply smart with the puck.
He truly made his presence felt without even doing anything spectacular. He did exactly what you would ask of him. He didn’t turn the puck over, he made smart decision.
That the beauty of Mark Stone. Even if he doesn’t get a point, what he does for them on special teams and in regulation makes everything about him worth it. Stone, although he wasn’t as quick as he usually seems, played very well.