Senators vs Golden Knights features Mark Stone making his highly anticipated return to the Vegas lineup for the first time since October 18. The Golden Knights host the Ottawa Senators tonight at T-Mobile Arena, with both teams looking to capitalize on critical divisional positioning in the Western Conference.
🔥 Quick Facts
Mark Stone returns after missing 16-17 games since sustaining a wrist injury on October 18, 2025.
Golden Knights hold a 10-5-7 record (27 points) and sit in 4th place in the Pacific Division heading into tonight.
Ottawa Senators arrive at 11-7-4 record (26 points) following a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on November 25.
Game scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with broadcasts on SCRIPPS, TSN5, and RDS2.
Stone’s Triumphant Return Ends Extended Absence Against Senators
Mark Stone, the 33-year-old captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, will finally take the ice tonight after missing nearly a month of action. The veteran forward had an exceptional start to the season before the wrist injury sidelined him, forcing the team to navigate 16-17 games without their leader. Stone participated fully in the morning skate on Wednesday and was activated off long-term injured reserve.
The Golden Knights were 4-0-2 in games with Stone in the lineup to start the season, showing the immediate defensive and offensive impact he brings. Head coach mentioned Stone will skate on a re-adjusted formation as the team managed his first game back, though his return provides substantial reinforcement to Vegas’s offensive capabilities and leadership presence.
Vegas Golden Knights Lineup Adjustments Welcome Stone’s Return
Jack Eichel continues leading the Golden Knights with an impressive 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) through 22 games this season. Mitch Marner brings 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) to the Vegas offense, forming a powerful scoring tandem that has carried the team through Stone’s absence. With Stone’s return, the depth chart flexibility improves considerably.
Stone will slot in on the second line alongside Brett Howden and Marner, with potential adjustments as he regains game conditioning. Ivan Barbashev anchors Vegas‘s physical game at the front, while the defensive group headlined by Kaedan Korczak and Brayden McNabb provides stability.
Team Statistics and Western Conference Positioning
Statistic
Golden Knights
Senators
Record
10-5-7 (27 pts)
11-7-4 (26 pts)
Division Standing
4th Pacific
3rd Atlantic
Top Scorer
Eichel (30 pts)
Brady Tkachuk
Last Game Result
1-1-1 road trip
L 1-2 vs LAK
Vegas comes off a mixed 1-1-1 road trip and will look to return to winning form at home with Stone anchoring the roster. The Golden Knights rank among the league leaders in power play efficiency, making Ottawa‘s penalty kill management critical tonight.
Ottawa Senators Face Western Conference Test Without Guaranteed Victory
The Ottawa Senators arrive in Las Vegas following a frustrating 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on November 25, dropping them to 11-7-4 on the season. Despite their solid record, the Senators have battled inconsistency and will be tested against a Vegas squad reinvigorated by Stone‘s presence. Ottawa holds a 5-3-2 record against Western Conference opponents this season, giving them experience in these matchups.
The Senators‘ power play has struggled, operating at just 11.5 percent in November, which could prove costly against Vegas‘s top-ranked special teams unit. Coach and players emphasized discipline as key to remaining competitive in tonight’s Western Conference clash at the T-Mobile Arena.
How Will Tonight’s Game Impact Both Teams’ Playoff Prospects?
With only 22 games played for most teams at the quarter-mark of the season, tonight’s contest carries significant weight for both franchises. Vegas seeks to solidify their Pacific Division position with Stone‘s return potentially catalyzing a winning streak. Ottawa needs a road victory to keep pace in the Atlantic Division and prove capability against elite Western Conference talent.
The Golden Knights have shown vulnerability on the road but dominance at home, where Stone makes his official return. Vegas is favored at -170 with a 5.5 over/under point total, indicating the sportsbooks expect a competitive but potentially high-scoring affair. Both teams possess the talent to generate offensive opportunities, and tonight will reveal how effectively Stone reintegrates into an already potent Vegas attack.
“Mark Stone did line rushes with the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, signaling his return. That’s great news for the Golden Knights.”
— Vegas Hockey Knight, Team Analysis
Watch the Game Live
Catch tonight’s Senators vs Golden Knights game live on SCRIPPS, TSN5, or RDS2. Game time is 10 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Sources
ESPN – Mark Stone returns to Golden Knights lineup against Senators
NHL.com – Official game preview and status report
SportNet – Golden Knights injury updates and game analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.