The Vegas Golden Knights are returning to Las Vegas with their second-round series tied after a 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in Game 4.
The result evened the matchup at 2-2, effectively turning it into a best-of-three series going forward after both teams alternated wins for the first four games.
Vegas entered Game 4 without captain Mark Stone, who missed the contest due to an undisclosed injury suffered during the Golden Knights’ 6-2 win in Game 3 on Friday.
Stone’s absence was felt as the Golden Knights saw their road winning streak end and allowed two power-play goals in the loss while only scoring one goal on five-on-five play in Game 4.
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) shoots against the Minnesota Wild during the third period of game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Stone left Game 3 after the first period and did not return, and the team opted to hold him out entirely for Game 4.
The veteran forward has been a central figure for Vegas during both the regular season and the playoffs, scoring 73 points in regular-season play (only appearing in 60 games) and adding seven points in nine postseason games.
Vegas relied on depth options in Stone’s absence, with Brandon Saad stepping into the lineup for Game 4 and logging his first minutes of play this postseason.
Following the loss and ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday, The Athletic’s Jesse Granger reported a significant update on the availability of Stone for the pivotal home matchup. According to Granger, Stone will remain out for Game 5 against Anaheim.
The Golden Knights will host Game 5 with momentum going the other way, but having home-ice advantage for the start of the shorter three-game run to decide one of the two Western Conference finalists.
Tuesday’s Game 5 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m., with the series shifting back to Anaheim for Game 6 on Thursday.
Related: NHL Announces Punishment for Sabres, Canadiens After Game 3
Related: Sabres Make Goaltending Decision for Game 4 vs. Canadiens
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
