Mark Stone doesn’t always make the headlines for his play on the ice as some other Vegas Golden Knights players do, but his teammates all know how vital he is to their success.
With six goals and 22 points, Stone is still on pace to set career highs in every offensive category despite missing 14 games. With the major injuries he’s suffered in the past three seasons, many analysts believed it could be a season where Stone begins to decline, but he’s proved everyone wrong. He looks quicker, stronger and more decisive in and around the net.
The 32-year-old has always been a good offensive player but his value always lies with his two-way game. Very few players can stick check and intercept passes the way Stone can. Offensively, he compliments skilled forwards so well by knowing where to be to receive passes and he sees the ice extremely well, allowing him to be a playmaker.
“On the ice, he’s a difference maker,” said head coach Bruce Cassidy. “He plays power plays, special teams. We addressed it yesterday… they’re 1A and 1B him and Jack (Eichel) when the puck runs through them. So when he’s out you miss that. It’s easier to defend against us. Five-on-five he complements Jack, any line he’s been on really well. Scores, makes plays, impacts the game defensively with his stick. You’re losing a guy, now you’re putting a guy up in the lineup that maybe it’s better suited with his 15 minutes. It affects your whole lineup when a guy like that’s out.”
Stone’s importance to the Golden Knights doesn’t end with his ability to dictate play offensively and defensively. He was named captain of the Golden Knights for a reason and it’s because when he talks, everyone listens.
“In the room, I think the guys just have a ton of respect for him,” said Cassidy. “Probably a man a few words when I’m around him, but when he speaks it’s usually very accurate. When you talk to him, you’re getting honest feedback. That’s what I see with Mark. He’s gonna represent Team Canada, he’s an elite-level player.”
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The praise for Stone’s leadership doesn’t just come from the Golden Knights’ head coach. Alex Pietrangelo, a former captain of the St. Louis Blues, couldn’t help but praise his leadership.
“I think the biggest thing with Stoney is his passion for the game,” said Pietrangelo. “It’s like, Stoney’s vocal. But that’s not the only way he leads. You watch him, the way he plays, the way he practices, the joy he gets from the success of the team. That’s all part of being a leader. And those are good characteristics, and those are the characteristics you want in your captain.”
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Stone’s missed a lot of time with major injuries and the Golden Knights have suffered because of it. The team is better with him on the ice than off. The Golden Knights score more, keep the puck out of their net and control games. If the Winnipeg, MAN native can stay healthy for the remainder of the season, not only can he set career-highs but he’ll help put the team in a very good spot heading into the postseason.
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