Mark Stone's absence proves there's a problem with the Vegas Golden Knights

Monday was a game to forget for the Vegas Golden Knights. They lost in embarrassing fashion to the Carolina Hurricanes, 5-2, losing their first home game. Despite Jack Eichel scoring a goal and an assist in the contest, it was a terrible team performance overall. The Hurricanes chased Adin Hill in the second period, barraging him with endless shots.

In addition, the Golden Knights stalled on offense, producing two goals on 32 shots. A litany of turnovers and mismanaged pucks did the team in. For example, Shea Theodore could've prevented this Jordan Staal short-handed goal.

Theodore didn't get past the defender and lost control of the puck. There was Staal as a result, pouncing on the open puck with a slap shot and short-handed goal. It was a microcosm of the night the Golden Knights had, where turnovers and mediocre play ruled the roost.

Part of that is a particular player's absence. Mark Stone missed Monday's game due to a lower-body injury, leaving the Golden Knights without the forward's veteran presence. It resulted in the team looking clueless on offense, where turnovers and giveaways reigned supreme.

But that's not the only problem with the Golden Knights on Monday. The team had other areas lacking, causing problems throughout the night. Of course, this was without their Captain, which raised more concerns. What issues were the Golden Knights dealing with on Monday against the Hurricanes sans Stone?

How the Vegas Golden Knights miss Mark Stone

Obviously, the Vegas Golden Knights miss Mark Stone on offense. He's the lifeblood who sets up his teammates for success and can run the attack efficiently. On Jesper Kotkaniemi's goal in the first period, Nicolas Roy lost control of the puck, which led to a rush towards the Golden Knights's defensive end.

If Mark Stone was in the game, this wouldn't have happened. The Captain would've kept it out of danger and found the open man, setting up a scoring opportunity. But the offense hasn't been the only problem the Golden Knights had on that play.

If there WAS a turnover committed, Stone would've jumped on it and forechecked efficiently. That was missing throughout the night as the Golden Knights didn't have an answer for the Carolina Hurricanes on the attack. The Hurricanes flew up and down the ice effortlessly, peppering Adin Hill with shots on turnovers and in the offensive zone.

One can even point at the power play's ineffectiveness on Monday at Stone's absence. Sure, Jack Eichel orchestrated a power play goal in the form of an assist in the third period. However, that turnover in the second period could've been prevented if the puck was dumped towards the neutral zone. The man to do it? Stone.

The good news is Stone isn't ruled out for the upcoming two-game road trip. Bruce Cassidy said in a press conference that he thinks the Captain will be on the trip, although nothing's confirmed. That would be a huge boost on all ends offensively and defensively. If Stone returns on the top line with his buddy, Eichel, that'll be bad news for opponents.