When news broke of Mark Stone returning with the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, it was well-received by Las Vegas. Everyone was excited that their Captain was coming back after missing a month with a lower-body injury. For the Dallas Stars? Not so much.
The Golden Knights got two power play goals, with Stone powering Tomas Hertl for a first-period goal (his ninth of the season). Fun must be always, especially when you have a returning player back on the power play unit. For the Czech forward, it was business as usual as Stone found his teammate in the slot for the ice-breaker.
"In front, Hertl — score!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) December 7, 2024
"Power play goal Tomas Hertl!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Hertl gets the @GoldenKnights on the board on a feed from Mark Stone, who registers a point in his return. pic.twitter.com/AGUY7Z6o8q
Not to be outdone, Jack Eichel scored a power play goal himself in the second period, his ninth of the season. Nicolas Roy also added an even-strength goal in the second period, his... sixth of the season. Adin Hill also continued his hot streak, stopping 38 of 40 shots. He outdueled Jake Oettinger, who stopped 25 of 28 shots. Mavrik Bourque and Mason Marchment scored for the Dallas Stars.
The result was a 3-2 victory over the team that eliminated the Golden Knights last season. The Golden Knights improved their record to 18-7-3, bumping their point total to 39. They kept pace with the Minnesota Wild, who has the most points in the NHL with 40. The Stars fell to 16-10-0 and stayed in third place in the Central Division.
The Stars nearly got a first-period goal from Jason Robertson, only for it to be called back for goalie interference. That kept the game scoreless until that first power play goal happened. That was almost an "OH MY GOD" moment for fans, considering the Golden Knights haven't done the best against good teams. However, that wouldn't matter since they got another solid win under their belts.
What's next for the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars?
With a long five-game road trip behind them, the Vegas Golden Knights will finally get some rest. They have five days off before hitting the road to face the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. That will kick-start a three-game road trip, which includes the Edmonton Oilers and league-best Minnesota Wild.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars will return to the Great State of Texas to take on the Calgary Flames. The game goes down on Sunday at American Airlines Center, with the Stars starting a six-game home stand. That will contain some tough games for Texas's only NHL team, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals.
One stat that stood out for the Golden Knights on Friday was having six power play opportunities. The Stars had numerous penalties and miscues, including Jamie Benn being called for a double-minor for high-sticking Nicolas Hague in the second period. The Stars also had 29 giveaways in the game (the Golden Knights had 22), leaving Vegas with an array of opportunities.
There's nothing like seeing your unequivocal leader return to the ice. The Golden Knights were ecstatic to see Mark Stone come back and he didn't disappoint. His power play assist got the Golden Knights on the right foot, leading them to a victory over Pete DeBoer's squad. Not a bad start for the Captain, eh?