Images : Mark Stone looked pretty banged up at the Knights' last practice

Tonight marks the start of the second-round series between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.

It’s expected to be a hotly contested series, as both clubs, on paper, have excellent players who can find a way to make a difference. On the Vegas side, Mark Stone is certainly one of them…

But the team captain, who underwent back surgery on January 31, is clearly out of shape.

At least, that’s what it looks like when you see the images from yesterday’s practice. Stone, visibly bothered by his back, had to leave the rink bent over his knees…

And he never returned to the ice to finish practice. Hard to believe this is a positive sign for the future.

Here is the video of Mark Stone from this morning, leaving practice early, in what looks to be some discomfort.

When asked during his normal availability, Bruce Cassidy said, “Assume everything is good, haven’t heard any differently.“#VegasBorn #UKnightTheRealm pic.twitter.com/mCBYSN62UH

– Vince Sapienza (@VinceSapienza) May 2, 2023

It goes without saying that Stone’s presence is important in the Golden Knights lineup. He doesn’t wear the “C” on his jersey for nothing, and even though he’s injured, he wants to continue to set an example by busting his ass on the ice for his teammates.

It’s worth mentioning.

Stone’s biggest challenge will obviously be to try and counter the Oilers’ two-headed monster, since that’s his role, but it could start to get difficult if his injury worsens.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are hard to catch even when their opponents are healthy. Imagine how difficult the task will be for the Knights’ captain…

I have a feeling this will be an interesting series to follow. And, just because of Stone’s injury…

I tend to favor the Edmonton team.

Breaking news

– We told you about it last September, but now P.K. is officially launching his “PK’s Places show”.

Subban’s latest foray is “P.K.’s Places,” a field hockey show by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions for ESPN that puts him at the forefront of a sport eager to embrace and showcase diversity to expand what has long been a predominantly white audience. https://t.co/PnoO7NDHXD

– TSN 690 Radio (@TSN690) May 3, 2023

– It’s a solution.

Yesterday, the Panthers scored on a delayed penalty. Jake McCabe, who was supposed to be punished, didn’t have to go to the penalty box and the penalty didn’t count against his stats. @ScoutingTheRefs has a great suggestion here:https://t.co/I2nzz7gdic

– Michel Laprise (@MLapriseRDS) May 3, 2023

– Ticket prices in Toronto are expensive.

Looks like you can still buy tickets to Game 2 tomorrow night in Toronto.

Or you could use that money and go to, like, Europe. Your choice, really. pic.twitter.com/cj13igoVUX

– SeanFitz_Gerald (@SeanFitz_Gerald) May 3, 2023

– Wow. Bravo pour le courage.

Awesome to have Braeden MacPhee back with the team after the passing of his mother Jolene last week. Nobody has more heart than this kid. He’ll return to the lineup for Game #4. pic.twitter.com/HHFg7rnmk8

– Scott MacIntosh (@scottmacintosh4) May 3, 2023

– To be continued.

Lindy Ruff on Timo Meier’s availability tonight:

“Timo will be a gametime decision”

So he’ll do the warm-up and then we’ll see. He trained with a full visor this morning @RDSca

– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) May 3, 2023