The Vegas Golden Knights are getting their captain back.
Mark Stone will return to the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT), head coach John Tortorella told reporters.
The forward last played in Game 3 of Round 2 against the Anaheim Ducks. He suffered a lower-body injury in the contest and exited after just 4:24 of ice time.
Stone has three goals and four assists through nine games this post-season.
”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 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.
He has continuously battled injuries throughout his career, not having appeared in more than 70 games in a regular season since 2016-17.
Stone played in 60 games this year, totalling 28 goals and 45 assists.
The Golden Knights lead the West final 2-0 over the Avalanche.
- With files from The Associated Press
