The Vegas Golden Knights are already facing a challenging 2-0 series deficit against the Edmonton Oilers in their second-round playoff matchup, and their situation just became more difficult. Vegas captain Mark Stone was forced to leave Game 3 due to an upper-body injury and will not be able to return to the game.
During a busy first period of play, Stone was attempting to apply pressure to Oilers forward Corey Perry. While doing so, he lost his balance and slid down onto the ice. In the process, Stone`s head made contact with Perry`s knee. The Golden Knights captain took a moment to compose himself on the ice before heading back towards the team bench.
Stone subsequently went down the tunnel leading to the locker room and did not reappear for the start of the second period. Shortly thereafter, the Golden Knights organization confirmed that Stone would be out for the remainder of the contest.
In addition to providing vital leadership in the locker room, Stone is a significant offensive contributor for the Golden Knights. Entering Game 3, he was the team`s leading scorer in the current playoffs with four goals through eight games. During the regular season, his 67 points placed him second on the team in scoring, trailing only Jack Eichel.
Stone was arguably the most crucial player for the Golden Knights during their successful run to the Stanley Cup championship in 2023. Not only did he play exceptional defense in difficult matchups against opposing top lines, but he was also highly productive offensively, recording 24 points in 22 playoff games that year.
With Stone sidelined, Vegas will need to rely even more heavily on the offensive output of Jack Eichel. Increased responsibility will also fall on other players within the lineup, such as Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev, to step up and contribute offensively.
