Golden Knights’ Stone a Game-Time Decision Ahead of Crucial Playoff Matchup

EDMONTON, Canada — Mark Stone, the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, participated in the morning skate prior to Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. Stone sustained an upper-body injury during Game 3, which the Golden Knights won 4-3, and his status will be a game-time decision.

The 32-year-old forward collided with Oilers forward Corey Perry early in the first period on Saturday. He managed to complete three shifts before leaving the game with approximately 6:20 left in the period. Stone’s injury has kept him day-to-day since the incident, and the team is hopeful for his return.

“We’ll keep him as day to day. Hopefully he’s better tomorrow and ready to go,” said Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy. “He wasn’t able to finish the game, but we’ll see how he reacts.” Stone has been a key player in the playoffs, recording eight points, including four goals and four assists, in nine games.

Reilly Smith, a teammate, shared how the team has adapted in Stone’s absence. “It’s not easy when he’s not out there, but the guys started to play extra hard,” Smith said. The Golden Knights currently trail the best-of-seven series, 2-1.

Meanwhile, the Oilers are also preparing for changes, with the potential for forward Kasperi Kapanen to enter the lineup. Edmonton’s captain, Connor McDavid, indicated a strong desire to bounce back after a loss in Game 3. “We have no other choice. We lost, it happened, we move on. It’s a big one tonight,” he said.

The matchup begins at 9:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place and will be broadcasted on various networks including CBC and TNT.