Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty in good health ahead of NHL season restart

The Vegas Golden Knights have the third best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook to win this year’s Stanley Cup at +800 ahead of the NHL’s 2020 restart in August. They have the best record (39-24) in the Pacific Division and could be top contenders in next month’s 24-team tournament. However, two of their top players — Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty — are dealing with injuries. If Vegas wants to make a convincing title run, a healthy roster will be important.

Stone suffered a lower body injury in late February and was initially thought to be in danger of missing the first two rounds of the postseason. The winger, who leads the Golden Knights in assists (42) and ranks second in points (63) has made a full recovery while the season was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been skating in City National Arena during his rehabilitation process and is excited to get back on the ice with his team.

Pacioretty is the Golden Knights’ points leader with and was also dealing with health issues before the season was paused. His weren’t as severe as Stone’s though. Pacioretty was listed as week-to-week with a lower body injury in March. He skated alongside Stone in June, so he should be ready to go when the season resumes.

Pacioretty says the postseason could be more challenging than ever because of how healthy teams will be from getting time off. Competitors won’t be as banged up as usual entering the playoffs, and the Golden Knights appear poised to bring their most important assets to the big show in tip-top shape.