Everyone knows how important Mark Stone is to the Vegas Golden Knights. He provides leadership and scoring, making Vegas into the "Evil Empire" that everyone either hates or absolutely loves. Do you want proof that the Captain matters in every aspect of the business?
When looking at Mark Stone being in the Golden Knights lineup, you'll see that the Captain makes everything run. The proof is in the pudding when it comes to the Golden Knights' record with the Captain in the lineup.
Golden Knights Situation | 2025-26 Record |
|---|---|
With Mark Stone | 13-6-7 |
Without Mark Stone | 6-5-5 |
While the record with him around isn't as appealing as it looks, there are a couple of takeaways from this. One, Jack Eichel also missed time, hindering the lineup's full capabilities. Second, the record without him is much worse, leaving the Golden Knights to wonder how they can replace their unequivocal leader.
However, there's another stat that's extremely telling of the Captain's importance. Looking at Stone's current goal streak of six games, another stat puts him in elite company... with Connor McDavid.
Mark Stone has collected a point in 23 of his 26 (88%) appearances in 2025-26. The only other player that has recorded a point in at least 85% of their games this season is Connor McDavid (38 GP / 44 GP; 86%). #NHLStats: https://t.co/g0HLMkVVdP pic.twitter.com/8niNC8cONJ
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) January 9, 2026
Yes, that Connor McDavid. The Connor McDavid who has holes in his socks like Swiss cheese and has the most assists in the NHL this season (48). The one who also has the second-most goals in the NHL this season (29). That Connor McDavid.
Who benefits from having Mark Stone in the Vegas Golden Knights lineup?
First, players like Mitch Marner get plenty of help with Stone around. The Winnipeg native is part of the most efficient line on the Golden Knights alongside Marner and Brett Howden, boasting a xGoals% of 68.3% (according to MoneyPuck, minimum of 100 minutes).
The unit is also one of the most efficient defensively, producing a team-low xGoals Against of 2.6. That translates over to a team-low xGoals Against per 60 Minutes of 1.54. While you're still missing prominent names on the two-way game, having Stone around provides a much-needed defensive boost.
There's also Eichel, who benefits from having Stone around. When the center didn't have the Winnipeg native on his wing, the superstar had an awful habit of trying to force plays. But with the 33-year-old around, Eichel doesn't have to do that. Instead, he can wait for the play to unfold with Stone's positioning and hockey intelligence, setting up solid scoring opportunities.
It's part of why Stone has been on a torrid six-game goal streak. Two of his last three games have seen Eichel get an assist on the Captain's goals entering Friday, making the Golden Knights offense click. It's no wonder that Bruce Cassidy doesn't hesitate to pair the two players together on the same line when push comes to shove.
Being in the same breath as Connor McDavid proves that you're an exceptional player. Golden Knights fans knew this about their leader since he comes through in a clutch. But if you still don't believe this, even after seeing the stats presented before you? Well, that's a you-problem, my friend.