Mark Stone Sidelined Again: Game 6 Status Confirmed
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone will miss his third consecutive postseason game when the team faces the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The veteran winger remains sidelined with a lingering lower-body injury, according to multiple reports, including confirmation from The Athletic’s Jesse Granger.
Stone originally left Game 3 of the second-round series after the first period and did not return. He was held out of Game 4 and Game 5, and now the Golden Knights will attempt to close out the series at Anaheim’s Honda Center without their captain. The injury update was first reported by RotoWire on May 14 and later corroborated by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In nine postseason games this year, Stone recorded three goals and four assists, including three power-play goals, along with 18 shots on net. His absence has forced head coach Bruce Cassidy to shuffle lines and rely on depth forwards like Brandon Saad, who made his playoff debut in Game 4.
Why Stone’s Absence Matters
Stone’s injury comes at a critical juncture. The Golden Knights and Ducks entered Game 5 tied 2-2 in the series, after Vegas lost Game 4 without their captain. The Ducks capitalized on Stone’s absence in that contest, scoring two power-play goals while limiting Vegas to just one even-strength tally.
The Golden Knights are also dealing with additional defensive absences. Defenseman Brayden McNabb is serving a one-game suspension for a hit on Anaheim center Ryan Poehling during Game 5, which the league reviewed and penalized. Jeremy Lauzon remains out with an upper-body injury, leaving Vegas thin on the blue line.
For Game 6, Vegas will deploy Kaedan Korczak alongside Ben Hutton on the third pairing. Shea Theodore moves to the left side on the top pairing, while Dylan Coghlan gets his fourth career playoff start—this time on the top unit. The reshuffled defense will face a Ducks team that has found its offensive rhythm after dropping Game 3 by a 6-2 margin.
The stakes are high: a win in Game 6 would send the Golden Knights to the Western Conference Final for the second time in three seasons. A loss forces a decisive Game 7 back in Las Vegas.
Stone’s Role in the Playoff Run
Stone has been a central figure for Vegas all season. In 60 regular-season games, he accumulated 73 points, showcasing elite two-way play that earned him a spot among NHL scoring leaders. His chemistry with linemates and his ability to kill penalties and generate offense on the power play make him irreplaceable.
The Golden Knights have leaned on their depth throughout the playoffs, but Stone’s absence is particularly felt on special teams. Vegas has struggled to maintain offensive zone time on the man advantage without his puck retrieval and playmaking. In his nine games, Stone accounted for three power-play goals; the team has not replaced that production.
Broader Implications: Depth, Injury Management, and Series Momentum
Stone’s injury highlights the thin line between playoff success and roster attrition. The Golden Knights entered the postseason with one of the deepest rosters in the Western Conference, but injuries to Stone, Lauzon, and McNabb have exposed vulnerabilities. Cassidy’s ability to adapt line combinations and defensive pairings will be tested over the next two games.
From a fantasy hockey perspective, Stone’s absence creates opportunities for players like Saad, who logged his first minutes of the postseason in Game 4. For daily fantasy players, the Golden Knights’ top line—now centered by Jack Eichel—remains a strong option, but Stone’s power-play role is likely split between multiple forwards.
Similar Playoff Absences Across the League
The NHL playoffs this season have been marked by key injuries. In the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are tied 2-2 in their series, with both teams dealing with injury concerns. The Sabres recently made a goaltending decision for Game 4, as reported in related coverage.
Stone’s situation echoes that of other star players sidelined at critical moments. The Golden Knights will hope he can return for a potential Game 7 or, should they advance, the conference final. Until then, the team must rely on its next-man-up mentality.
What This Changes for Vegas
Without Stone, the Golden Knights lose their most versatile forward. His shot suppression, faceoff ability, and leadership are difficult to replace. The Ducks will likely target Vegas’s reshuffled defensive pairings with aggressive forechecking. Anaheim’s power play, which clicked in Game 4, could be a deciding factor.
For fantasy managers and bettors, the absence shifts expectations. Vegas moneyline odds may slip, and point totals for players like Eichel and Theodore could rise as they absorb more minutes. Defenseman Shea Theodore’s move to the top pair alongside a less experienced partner may increase his ice time but also his risk of turnovers.
The Golden Knights have overcome adversity before. They rallied from a 2-1 series deficit in the first round against Minnesota, and their home-ice record in the playoffs under Cassidy is strong. But Stone’s health remains the biggest variable in their championship pursuit.
As of May 15, 2026, there is no timeline for Stone’s return. The team has not disclosed the specific nature of his lower-body injury. Once cleared, he is expected to reclaim his top-six role and power-play spot immediately.
How to Follow the Series
Fans can catch Game 6 on Thursday at Honda Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT. For ongoing updates, follow the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Danny Webster or NHL.com’s series coverage.
If the Golden Knights advance, they will face the winner of the Minnesota-Dallas series in the Western Conference Final. For more NHL playoff analysis, check out our coverage of the Sabres vs Canadiens series and the latest on Sabres vs Canadiens: Benson's Birthday Goal Ties Series 2-2 Ahead of Pivotal Game 5.
In other sports news, the baseball season continues with Tanner Scott Dominates as Dodgers Closer After Diaz Injury Opens Door.
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