Some people are saying that the reason why the Vegas Golden Knights won Game 1 was because of Cale Makar's absence. The Colorado Avalanche didn't have one of the league's best puck-moving defensemen around, leaving Colorado frustrated in the neutral zone and beyond. However, these people are merely making excuses because, well, that's what the modern person does.
Makar is out for Game 2 as well, leaving the Avalanche shorthanded once again. While that sounds dandy from a Golden Knights perspective, fans shouldn't get too cocky about their team's chances just yet. Why, you ask?
Well, let's just say that the Golden Knights' Captain is still recovering from upper-body injuries. John Tortorella confirmed that Mark Stone will be out for Game 2 as well.
John Tortorella says Mark Stone will not be returning tonight
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 22, 2026
As you know, Stone has been one of the most important pieces for the Golden Knights. He averaged 1.22 points per game this season, good enough for 11th in the NHL. That was despite a litany of injuries that kept him out of commission, limiting him to 60 games in 2025-26.
While the Golden Knights did fine without him because of Carter Hart and depth scoring, the Captain's absence still marks a huge problem. You need all of your solid puck-moving players on the ice in the Western Conference Final. With that comes three factors coming into focus for a vital Game 2.
1.) Mitch Marner must continue his red-hot playoff run
Entering Friday, Mitch Marner led the NHL in postseason points with 19. He's turned up the goal-scoring with seven goals (tied for third) and has done a great job of silencing his most vocal critics.
Not only that, but he's become more potent in the two-way game. That has helped Vegas in many aspects, including the penalty kill. Just ask Brett Howden and his three short-handed goals how much it's helped him.
Golden Knights fans will expect him to do more of the same on Friday. They'll need as much offense generated in transition as possible, keeping Colorado on its toes. If that's the case, life will become much easier.
2.) Carter Hart must carry the load
Game 1 wasn't too much of a problem for Carter Hart. The former Flyers goaltender stopped 36 of 38 shots, leading Vegas to a big road victory. Therefore, the objective is simple: repeat that Game 1 performance.
That means defending shots at the ears better and following the puck at every juncture. The Mammoth made life hard for Hart in this regard, firing pucks for goals in Games 3-5. If Hart can defend this better, Vegas will be in a much better position to win.
3.) The Golden Knights must be better at preserving the lead
Now, this wasn't too much of a problem in Game 1, considering that the Golden Knights walked out with a 4-2 win. However, the Avalanche made things interesting in the third period with a cranked-up forecheck.
That must not happen again in Game 2. The Golden Knights should look to restrict the neutral zone throughout the game, clogging the boards and preventing any Avalanche entries. Watch for Nic Dowd and William Karlsson in this regard.
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