Things were looking good for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Edmonton Oilers. They had a 2-0 lead in the first period and were confident. All that was thanks to Mark Stone scoring two goals, one of which was a power play goal.
Granted, all that goodwill was sapped out of the building when the Edmonton Oilers scored four unanswered goals to win Game 1, 4-2. However, one thing was certain: Emotional Mark Stone was back.
All it took was getting an assist on a Tomas Hertl goal in the third period to get him out of his funk. Mind you, he didn't have a single point in the first three games of the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, that has completely changed as the Captain has four goals and two assists in his last four games.
That's a good thing for the Golden Knights (not the loss, but the Winnipeg native stepping up), considering how they offensively collapsed after the first period. Having one shot in the second period won't cut it in the Stanley Cup playoffs. That's why you need your Captain to lead the way and create offensive magic.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights needed Mark Stone to return to form
Going back to the offensive lull, the Golden Knights shot themselves in the foot with said stagnation. They sat on a lead, hoping the Oilers wouldn't come back and break open the game. Sure, that might've worked on December 3. However, this is the Stanley Cup playoffs and the stakes are higher.
Therefore, that won't fly in this landscape. This is where you need an emotional charge from your leaders so you can come out revitalized. That's where Mark Stone comes in. Also, remember that Tuesday was the first loss for Vegas with Stone scoring a point.
Sure, that's on the team to ensure they keep the offensive rhythm from the first period. But that's what happens when you don't have Pavel Dorofeyev on the ice along with an ill Alex Pietrangelo. If such players are out of commission, imagine what would happen with Stone if they came back.
That's especially true on the power play, where you have Dorofeyev's left-handed shot atop the umbrella hierarchy. How about getting a deflection off a Shea Theodore shot?
Can the Golden Knights rally around their expressive Captain?
First and foremost, the Golden Knights must figure out a way to stop the Edmonton Oilers from coming back. That means generating more offense and keeping the Oilers on their toes. That's especially true when they have the two best players in the NHL right now.
Luckily, Mark Stone is that type of leader. When he starts getting expressive, that's when the team rallies. They feel a new sense of hope from their leader, rallying and taking charge of the game.
At least, that's what must happen. There are some things that must change, whether it's Bruce Cassidy keeping his lines the same or the lower units stepping up. However, having your expressive Captain back to scoring goals is also good.