Mark Stone Skated and Nobody In Vegas Is Ready For This Game 1 Showdown

You hear that? The whispers around the league? Mark Stone, the heart of the Vegas Golden Knights, actually hit the ice for a skate before Game 1 of the Western Conference Final! But hold onto your green and blue, Seattle faithful, because here's the kicker: he's STILL out for the Golden Knights' opener against the Avalanche. Talk about a gut punch. And if that's not enough drama for you, Colorado's Cale Makar is also sidelined, set to miss Game 1. This West Final is already a rollercoaster before the puck even drops, and both teams are facing some serious hurdles.

Vegas Is Still Missing Its General

The sight of Mark Stone skating, even just prior to Game 1, probably sent a jolt of false hope through the Golden Knights locker room and their fans. But the cold, hard fact is, he remains out. It's a huge blow for Vegas, especially after coming out of what was described as a brutal Second Round matchup against the Ducks. That kind of series takes a toll, and going into the Conference Final without a key piece like Stone is a massive disadvantage. You just know the sentiment around that team has to be, "WE'RE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO STEP UP" if they want to get past Colorado. The Golden Knights saw value in taking a mental break ahead of this West Final, and honestly, they're going to need every ounce of mental toughness they can find without Stone leading the charge.

The Avalanche Have a Makar-Sized Void

As if the Stone news wasn't enough to shake things up, the Avalanche are dealing with their own superstar absence. Cale Makar, one of the best in the game, is going to miss Game 1. That's a massive void Colorado is looking to fill, and you can bet opposing teams will try to exploit it. The Avalanche just came off an intense Round 2 Stanley Cup Playoff matchup against the Wild, which surely tested their depth and resilience. Nathan MacKinnon and the rest of the Avalanche are reportedly prepared for a long Western Final, and they absolutely better be. Missing Makar, even for one game, can set the tone for the entire series, and Colorado needs to show they can absorb that hit right from the jump.

What Happens Next In The West?

So, here we are. Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, and two of the biggest stars are either out or still sidelined despite a brief skate. Who steps up for these teams? Who fills those massive shoes? This is what playoff hockey is all about, the next man up mentality. While the Eastern Conference just saw some insane drama with Newhook lifting the Canadiens to a 3-2 Game 7 victory in overtime against Buffalo, the West is already promising its own brand of chaos. This series is going to be a slugfest, and with both teams dealing with key absences, it's anyone's guess how this shakes out. Buckle up, Emerald City, because the Stanley Cup Playoffs just got even more unpredictable!

DFS Pick'em

🏆 Underdog Fantasy: Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries

Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.

👉 Claim your $50 bonus on Underdog Fantasy

Sponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.