The Vegas Golden Knights are missing a major piece of the competitive puzzle right now. Mark Stone exited last Wednesday's game against the Edmonton Oilers with a lower-body injury. Since that injury on the empty-net goal, the Golden Knights have lost two straight.
That included their first loss at T-Mobile Arena this season. The Carolina Hurricanes crushed Vegas, 5-2, delivering a dominating performance in all aspects. It was the first time fans saw the home team flat in 2024-25, putting into perspective how long the NHL season is.
One moment, you're flying high and living the dream. The next, you're dreading your very existence as a sports fan and want to cry yourself to sleep. Being a sports fan is full of ups and downs, which makes the art much more beautiful.
But that also applies to life itself. Perhaps you're panicking about when your car will be done because the mechanic is incompetent. Maybe you have that big exam tomorrow that you're cramming for. Whatever the case, taking life one day at a time is important.
That's especially true when it comes to rooting for the Golden Knights. You must celebrate the high moments (i.e. winning the Stanley Cup) and move past the low ones (i.e. getting blown out at home). Got a promotion? Order that pizza. Dealt with difficult clients? Unwind, for there's always tomorrow. That's what makes life worth living.
How to deal with the Mark Stone injury
One thing to remember about Mark Stone's injury is it doesn't appear as season-threatening as past hiccups. Bruce Cassidy stated this in a press conference, saying he has a chance to play on the road trip. Stone was out for Wednesday's game, so he has a chance against Utah on Friday.
He's day-to-day, which sounds friendlier than Victor Olofsson's lower-body injury. Here, he was considered out week-to-week, which sounds much worse. It's like being told one of two pieces of cake is front of you is poisoned, except the one you have isn't.
Mark Stone is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. #VegasBorn
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) November 9, 2024
There's also looking at the potential return of Olofsson himself. Before getting hurt, the Swedish forward had three goals in four games (two on the power play). What's better than having the third-best power play (32.5% entering Wednesday's game)? Adding another key piece to the group and making them better.
Sure, losing a big piece of the puzzle hurts. It's like missing your best friend since they're out of town for a business trip. You don't know what to do with yourself. But remember this.
Evey situation in life is temporary. When life is going good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last and better days are on the way.