What happens when you're part of a terrific Vegas Golden Knights team offensively (4.67 goals per game, best in the NHL) and lead the league in points? Why, you get honored for the "Three Stars" for the week. That's what happened to Mark Stone, who was the "First Star" for the week ending on October 27.
Mark Stone (@GoldenKnights), Juuse Saros (@PredsNHL) and Matt Duchene (@DallasStars) have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending Oct. 27.#NHLStats: https://t.co/3i4G19CUVb pic.twitter.com/FbFBVur5FL
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 28, 2024
The Captain scored two goals and six assists in three games, earning the honor alongside Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (Second Star) and Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene (Third Star). Saros got two wins, a GAA of 1.00, a save percentage of .968, and a shutout during the week. Duchene scored three goals and three assists in three games, keeping the Stars near the top of the Central Division.
Stone's excellent play resulted in him earning the top spot in points, where teammate Jack Eichel joined him in the top five (tied for third with 15 points). Speaking of Eichel, the former second-overall pick received such an honor in the first week.
The honor showcases the top line's strength, leading the Golden Knights to first place in the Pacific Division. Eichel, Stone, and Ivan Barbashev have combined for 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists). Speaking of Barbashev, will he be in line to earn such an honor next? It's possible considering how well the Russian forward is doing with his linemates.
Completing the trifecta with Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Ivan Barbashev
Jack Eichel scored seven points in the first week, good enough to get him the "Third Star" in the NHL's weekly honors. It also got Vegas out to a fast start with three straight wins. Mark Stone followed suit a couple of weeks later, scoring eight points. It resulted in the Vegas Golden Knights having a successful homestand, winning at least three of four games at T-Mobile Arena.
That leaves Barbashev as the lone lineman without a "Three Stars" honor. It's surprising considering the two-time Stanley Cup champion is tied for fifth in goals (seven). He's become the goal-scoring sidekick the Golden Knights were hoping for, breaking out alongside Eichel. Therefore, it should be a matter of time before the winger becomes a "star".
That's especially true with Barbashev scoring three goals and an assist in the last three games. Overall, he's scored six goals and four assists at T-Mobile Arena, with the Las Vegas crowd providing a boost. Eventually, that will lead to numerous honors beyond "stardom", including an All-Star nomination.
As for now, let's congratulate the Captain on earning an incredible honor for the week. Stone has become a key player for the Golden Knights, unleashing a playmaking ability never seen by fans. It's what happens when you have top-notch linemates like Eichel and Barbashev, putting you at the top of the Pacific Division.