Quick Read
- Mark Stone extended his point streak to 10 games with a goal and two assists against Toronto.
- The Vegas Golden Knights completed a 6-5 overtime comeback win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Stone has 17 points (9 goals, 8 assists) during his 10-game point streak.
- He has points in 27 of 30 games this season (90%), a league best.
- Jack Eichel scored the overtime game-winner and had three assists, extending his point streak to seven games.
In a thrilling display of resilience and clutch performance, the Vegas Golden Knights orchestrated a remarkable 6-5 overtime comeback victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night. At the heart of this dramatic turnaround was captain Mark Stone, whose relentless offensive output not only fueled the comeback but also extended his phenomenal point streak to a league-best 10 games. This was more than just a win; it was a statement game, showcasing the Golden Knights’ fighting spirit and Stone’s indispensable leadership.
A Night of High Drama and Unyielding Spirit
The game began with the Maple Leafs asserting their dominance early, as Morgan Rielly and William Nylander quickly put Toronto up 2-0 within the first five minutes. While Pavel Dorofeyev managed to cut the lead with a power-play goal, Auston Matthews soon restored Toronto’s two-goal advantage, making it 3-1 heading into the second period. It felt like an uphill battle from the start, a narrative that would persist throughout the night.
The middle frame saw Keegan Kolesar net his second goal of the season, a gritty effort off a rebounded shot, bringing Vegas back within one. However, John Tavares responded with a power-play goal for Toronto, pushing the lead back to 4-2. Every time the Golden Knights clawed their way closer, the Maple Leafs seemed to find an answer, testing the resolve of the home team. This back-and-forth dynamic set the stage for a truly unforgettable final period.
The third period ignited the Golden Knights’ comeback bid. Dorofeyev, showcasing his power-play prowess, tallied his second goal of the night and team-leading 13th man-advantage mark, narrowing the gap to 4-3. But the drama wasn’t over. Scott Laughton extended Toronto’s lead to 5-3, creating a seemingly insurmountable deficit with only nine minutes remaining. This is where the veteran leadership and offensive firepower of Mark Stone truly shone through.
Stone’s Indomitable Drive Sparks the Comeback
With time ticking away and the Golden Knights facing a two-goal deficit, Mark Stone stepped up. He jammed the puck past Joseph Woll, cutting the Maple Leafs’ lead to a single goal, 5-4. This crucial goal, assisted by Ivan Barbashev and Jack Eichel, injected a fresh wave of hope into the T-Mobile Arena crowd. As NHL.com reported, Stone’s goal was a pivotal moment, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for an extraordinary finish.
The tension was palpable as the clock wound down. With just seven seconds remaining and the Golden Knights on a six-on-five advantage, Tomas Hertl delivered the equalizer, firing a pass from Eichel into the net to send the game to overtime. It was a testament to the team’s never-say-die attitude, a trait often embodied by their captain.
In the extra frame, the Golden Knights completed their improbable comeback. Shea Theodore broke into the offensive zone and dished the puck to Stone on a two-on-one rush. While Woll made the initial save on Stone’s shot, the captain didn’t give up on the play. He gathered his own rebound and, with incredible poise, dished it to a charging Jack Eichel, who outlasted Woll on the backhand for the overtime game-winner. Stone’s vision and perseverance on this play were instrumental, securing the victory and highlighting his impact beyond just scoring.
A Streak of Unparalleled Consistency
Mark Stone’s performance against the Maple Leafs was more than just a single game’s heroics; it was a continuation of an incredible run. With a goal and two assists, Stone extended his point streak to an astonishing 10 games, a span in which he has accumulated nine goals and eight assists, totaling 17 points. As noted by RotoWire Staff and CBS Sports, this level of consistent production is not merely impressive, it’s a league-best.
For the season, the veteran winger has now tallied 17 goals and 46 points through just 30 appearances, maintaining a remarkable plus-11 rating and 74 shots on net. What truly sets Stone apart is his consistency: he has registered points in 27 of his 30 games played this year, an astounding 90% success rate. This consistent offensive output, combined with his leadership and defensive responsibility, makes him one of the most complete players in the league.
Stone’s ability to factor into crucial plays, as he did on the last three goals of the game against Toronto, underscores his invaluable presence. Whether it’s scoring a timely goal, setting up a teammate, or battling for possession, Stone consistently finds ways to influence the outcome. His sustained excellence has been a driving force behind the Golden Knights’ recent success, including their current six-game winning streak and seven-game point streak.
The Golden Knights’ Resurgence and Future Prospects
The Golden Knights’ victory over the Maple Leafs was not just a testament to individual brilliance but also to collective team effort. Jack Eichel, with the game-winning goal and three assists, extended his own point streak to seven games, accumulating 13 points (5G, 9A) in that span. Pavel Dorofeyev’s two power-play goals were critical, making him only the second NHL player this season to reach 13 power-play goals. Adin Hill’s return from injury, earning the victory in his first game back, also provided a significant boost.
This comeback marked the franchise’s second-latest comeback win in history, a statistic that speaks volumes about their resolve. The team’s current momentum, with six consecutive wins and a seven-game point streak, positions them strongly as they continue their three-game homestand with a rematch against the Nashville Predators. The chemistry among players like Stone, Eichel, Dorofeyev, and Hertl is evident, creating a dynamic and formidable offensive unit.
Mark Stone’s consistent, high-impact performance, particularly his league-leading point-per-game consistency, is not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of his elite hockey IQ and unwavering commitment. In a league where sustained excellence is rare, Stone’s ability to deliver crucial plays night after night, especially in high-pressure situations, solidifies his status as one of the most influential captains and offensive catalysts in the NHL. His contributions are clearly foundational to the Golden Knights’ championship aspirations.

