Golden Knights get Thanksgiving miracle, prepare for Mark Stone’s return against Senators

The Vegas Golden Knights will be more than happy to be home for the holidays, but there is still business that needs to be done.

On Wednesday, the Golden Knights get another homestand rolling when they face the Ottawa Senators at T-Mobile Arena.

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV

Date: Wednesday, November 26

Time: 7:00 pm PST

How To Watch: ESPN+, SCRIPPS, FDSNMW

Radio: 1340 AM, 101 ESPN (101.1 FM)

The end of the Golden Knights’ previous road trip left a sour taste in their mouths, as Logan Cooley and the Utah Mammoth soundly defeated them 5-1. With that still fresh in their minds, the Golden Knights will hope to unload some frustrations in front of their home fans.

Here are a few ways that they can get themselves back in the win column.

O Captain, my captain!

During today’s morning skate, the Golden Knights were met with a welcome sight.

Captain Mark Stone, who has not played since Oct. 18 against the Calgary Flames, returned to the ice in a regular jersey. Stone is expected to make his return to the lineup on the second line with Mitch Marner and Brett Howden, as well as returning to the top power play unit in place of Braeden Bowman. The Golden Knights have missed Stone’s leadership and production (13 points in six games), so getting him back is a massive boon as the first quarter of the season comes to a close.

“Was able to get down to Henderson for a couple practices. It was nice, had a good time out there with the guys, and it really helped expedite the process. Everything’s healed, I got the practices I needed, and I’m ready to go,” said Stone after morning skate.

Close the turnover factory

It may be the eve of Thanksgiving, but the Golden Knights have been a little too charitable with the puck as of late.

In their previous games against the Mammoth and Anaheim Ducks, the results went against the Golden Knights due to backbreaking turnovers. Puck management has to be at the forefront of practice throughout the homestand, establishing communication and focusing on making the simple plays. If they can do that and build off of it, the on-ice performance should look a lot cleaner than it has recently.

Get ready to race

Goaltending has been worrisome for the Golden Knights since Adin Hill went down with injury, but they face a Senators team facing further issues.

Akira Schmid is expected to get the call, and he has been serviceable with a 9-1-3 record, 2.45 goals against average and .902 save percentage. Meanwhile, the Senators’ goaltending duo of Linus Ullmark and Leevi Merilainen have both had rough starts to the season, with the two combining for a 3.23 GAA and .870 save percentage. This game has the potential to get out of hand quickly, meaning the pressure will be on the Golden Knights to stay in front of it the entire way.