Mark Stone has a long injury history through his career in the NHL. Last year, Stone missed almost half the season with a significant back injury. Over the summer, reports have surfaced that Stone will likely never play a full season again as he attempts to manage injuries, and stay relatively healthy.
During last night's preseason matchup between the Kings and Golden Knights, Stone's back was tested for the first time in game action. Chasing a puck behind the goal line, Stone was lined up for a hard hit by Hayden Hodgson. Stone was sent falling into the boards, and got up immediately looking to be furious.
Immediately after the hit, Knights players and Stone began to swarm Hodgson. After the play, the referees dished out seven penalties, including a game misconduct to Kevin Connauton in the scrum. The Knights went on to lose 4-3 in overtime, and after the game, Stone didn't hold back his opinions.
While Stone felt the need to take a shot at a fringe player trying to make an impression and earn an NHL job, the truth his that Stone was caught with his head down, and that he's not off-limits from physical contact.
