How the Vegas Golden Knights can adjust with Mark Stone out of the lineup in Game 4

Well, this is certainly the news that Vegas Golden Knights fans didn't want to hear. After a resounding 6-2 win in Game 3 over the Anaheim Ducks, the Golden Knights lost a key piece in that game: Mark Stone. The Captain left that game, returned, and left shortly after.

Fans were anticipating what John Tortorella would say about their beloved expressive guy's status for Game 4. Was he in or was he out? Well, Golden Knights fans aren't going to like the answer. They're not going to see his expressions or emotions, for they're getting Brandon Saad instead.

It's a tough loss for the Golden Knights. Anaheim is getting Radko Gudas back (remember him from the 2023 Stanley Cup Final?), which will add even more grit and physicality to the lineup. That will make life ten times harder for the Golden Knights, putting up yet another obstacle for the team.

But when there's a will, there's a way. And there are certainly more butts in Ontario than there are in California (prayers up for the Canadiens fans that put up with them). Here's how the Golden Knights can win without their Captain and move closer to giving his soul some much-needed rest.

The Vegas Golden Knights game plan for conquering the Anaheim Ducks in Game 4 sans Mark Stone

The Vegas Golden Knights did an excellent job of keeping the gas pedal to the floor on Friday. The main catalyst for the surge was none other than Mitch Marner, who had a hat trick and an assist.

Now, Maple Leafs fans love doing something that most Californians don't do: move the goal posts. However, another big game will literally drag those goal posts right back, silencing the haters for good. That's especially true if Marner flies into the offensive zone and generates solid scoring chances.

But it also goes back to relying on your defensive structure to keep you in the game. Looking at the Utah Mammoth series, there were numerous opportunities for the Mammoth to pull away and win the series. They rushed the Golden Knights into oblivion, keeping them on their heels. Therefore, that must end on Sunday.

Finally, the other Golden Knights must pick up the slack. Yes, it sounds cliche when you don't have one of your best offensive pieces around. But seeing players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden have a big game will have a massive impact.

The Golden Knights have dealt with numerous bits of adversity throughout the 2025-26 season. That included losing Stone and Eichel, along with having their head coach fired. It stands with good reason that Vegas finds a way to overcome their Captain not being around.

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