Mark Stone returns and scores as Golden Knights rally past Avalanche for 3-0 series lead
Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, second fro, right, trips after scoring on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart, right, as right wing Mark Stone, left, and defenseman Dylan Coghlan watch during the first period in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
LAS VEGAS — Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, who has missed the past five games because of a lower-body injury, not only played in Sunday's 5-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, his goal sparked the comeback.
Stone scored a power-play goal 19 seconds into the second period to start a rally from a 3-0 deficit and ultimately give the Golden Knights a 3-0 series lead.
“I don’t like watching, ever. I want to play every game," Stone said. "It’s been an unfortunate part of my career, sitting out. This time of year it’s definitely harder. But when the guys are playing the way they’re playing it makes it a little bit easier. Come to the rink with a smile on my face every day. Helps when you’re winning. It’s great to be around the guys and now it’s great to be back on the bench.”
Golden Knights coach John Tortorella announced before the game Stone would be back in the lineup.
”His talent speaks for itself, but his character and leadership, just to have him back in the room, get his voice back, is going to be huge for our team," Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin said. “Any time he comes back, it's like he didn't miss a beat.”
Stone, hurt in Game 3 of the second-round series at Anaheim, showed few if any limitations while taking part in an optional skate Saturday. He also skated when the team was in Denver for the first two games of the series.
His 28 goals and 73 points in the regular season were Stone’s highest in seven years, and he has produced four goals and five assists in 10 playoff games this year.
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) and right wing Mark Stone (61) speak at a post game press conference after the game win against the Utah Mammoth during the third period of Game 6 in the first round of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series, Friday, May 1, 2026, in Salt Lake City. Credit: AP/Melissa Majchrzak
“No one wants to be out there more than Mark,” Hanifin said. “He's one of the most competitive guys I've played with in my career.”
