Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone missed five games with an upper-body strain, but he insists the issue was simply a byproduct of a packed schedule rather than a recurring injury concern.
Stone returned to the lineup Thursday in a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, logging 17:52 of ice time and finishing plus-2. He said the strain on his side stemmed from “wear and tear from a busy schedule,” including travel back from the Winter Olympics in Milan.
“Nothing alarming at all,” Stone said. “Just needed a little bit of time to let the body recover more than anything.”
The injury occurred March 1, also against Pittsburgh, when a light check from defenseman Kris Letang caused Stone to fall to one knee and slowly skate to the bench. Given his history of twice-surgically-repaired back, the incident raised immediate concern. But Stone said he quickly realized it wasn’t serious.
“It wasn’t super alarming, which was nice for once,” Stone said. “Probably from some pretty crazy travel coming back from Milan, going right into games. It was a quick turnaround.”
Stone wore a red noncontact jersey at Thursday’s morning skate, but he participated in line rushes and power-play drills. After testing himself further following the skate, he decided there was no reason to wait.
“Felt good to get back on the ice with the guys and felt really good in the skate,” Stone said. “No sense sitting around when you feel great. It was good to get back in.”
The Knights needed him. Thursday’s victory was only their third in nine games since returning from the Olympics. Stone did not record a point, but his presence allowed Tomas Hertl to move back to second-line center, with Mitch Marner shifting to right wing. Marner and Pavel Dorofeyev each contributed to two goals, and Hertl and Dorofeyev were both plus-3. Colton Sissons and Nic Dowd rounded out the center group, giving Vegas four natural centers for the first time in recent memory.
“Calming presence, which is great as well in the locker room,” Marner said. “Getting him back is a big step for this team. He does so much for us on the ice, and off.”
Stone admitted his conditioning wasn’t where he wanted it Thursday. He participated in Friday’s optional practice and is expected to play Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The win moved Vegas back to second place in the Pacific Division.
From the press box during his absence, Stone observed that his teammates “were just forcing stuff.” His return could provide the stability the team needs for the stretch run.
“My body kind of turned a corner real quick as far as things went. I was ready to roll as far as playing,” Stone said. “I just think the conditioning was a little bit behind, so I feel pretty good now.”
