Overview

• Mark Stone, sidelined since February with a lacerated spleen, returned to the ice on April 12.
• The Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 7-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
• Stone remains on long-term injured reserve, leveraging an NHL salary cap loophole for playoff activation.
• Stone's return is crucial as he led the team in assists before his injury.
• The Golden Knights aim to defend their Stanley Cup title, starting playoffs on April 20.