Mark Stone dropped the gloves with Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour just over a minute after Victor Olofsson was knocked out of the game by a cross-check from Ben Meyers during a Knights power play. Olofsson had to be helped off the ice following what was shaping up to be his first multi-goal game of the season.
Stone said he fought because Montour was saying things about the team he didn’t like, adding that he should have jumped in sooner but they took care of business when needed. Montour said he felt it was an opportunity to get under Stone’s skin since the Knights’ leader didn’t step in earlier in what was a 5-1 game.
Stone’s teammates followed suit, leading to multiple penalties including a double-minor for roughing on Rasmus Andersson and a hard check penalty on Jeremy Lauzon, which stemmed from a prior hit by Ryan Winterton on Trevor Connelly that led to Marc Gatcomb fighting Winterton. Stone completed a Gordie Howe Hat Trick in the game.
Jack Eichel praised Stone, saying ‘He’s our leader. That fires the group up,’ and noted the team’s appreciation for Stone’s willingness to stand up for a teammate. Eichel had a goal and three assists, taking the NHL scoring lead, while Tomas Hertl scored two power-play goals and added two assists.
Stone reached 400 points with the Knights after his two-point night, which included a shorthanded goal that gave Vegas a 3-0 lead. He said the team has been through obstacles but sticks together, calling it a close team where success comes not just from good players but from unity. Coach Ryan Craig said Olofsson was being evaluated with no further update available.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·