The Las Vegas Golden Knights will welcome back their captain, Mark Stone, for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Colorado Avalanche. The game, taking place in Las Vegas, comes as the Golden Knights lead the series 2-0. Stone’s return was confirmed by Vegas coach John Tortorella just hours before the game.

Stone, who has been sidelined due to a lower-body injury since May 8 during the second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, is known for his leadership and skill on the ice. His teammate, defenseman Noah Hanifin, expressed excitement about Stone’s return, highlighting his character and the positive impact he has in the locker room. Stone has contributed seven points, including three goals and four assists, in nine playoff games this season.

Throughout his career, Stone has been a pivotal player, recording 707 points over 766 NHL games with the Ottawa Senators and the Golden Knights. This season, he matched his career highs with 73 points in 60 games.

Uncertainty for Avalanche’s Makar

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are facing uncertainty with their star defenseman, Cale Makar, who is a game-time decision for Game 3. Makar has been dealing with an upper-body injury that kept him out of the first two games of the series. Colorado coach Jared Bednar has kept Makar’s status under wraps, leaving fans and analysts in suspense.

Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner and Conn Smythe Trophy recipient, has been a key player for the Avalanche. He has accumulated 507 points in 470 career games and was instrumental in the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory four years ago.

The outcome of Game 3 could be significantly influenced by the presence or absence of these two pivotal players, with Stone’s return bolstering the Golden Knights’ lineup and Makar’s potential participation remaining a critical factor for the Avalanche.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.