(Las Vegas) Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson was deprived of his line-mates Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty for 12 games, the latter being absent for nearly a month.
Stephenson was part of 11 different combinations, from the first to the third line, as Vegas dealt with multiple injuries.
On Sunday, he greatly helped the Knights win 6-4 over the Minnesota Wild with four assists, a personal high.
Two days earlier, the 27-year-old had missed a first game this season, to attend his grandmother’s funeral.
“What a great way to honor a loved one,” said Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer.
“He went to Western Canada, attended the funeral, and rushed back. That he offered a match like that is quite exceptional. ”
Stephenson was acquired from Washington in December 2019, for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2021 draft.
The Saskatchewan player has gone from a shadow forward with the Capitals to one of the most productive players in the Golden Knights.
Since arriving in Vegas, Stephenson is sixth on the team with 52 assists, tied with William Karlsson with 31 goals, and seventh in the organization with 83 points.
Against the Wild, Stephenson, Stone and Pacioretty totaled 10 points, helping the Knights win for the ninth time in 12 home games.
Stone and Pacioretty each had one goal and two assists.
“It was really special,” said Stephenson with emotion, leader of his team with 26 points, including 17 assists.
“I think she was helping me (Sunday). It’s tough and sad the last few days, but I had a lot of support in the team. The players, the staff, everyone was there for me. It helps you get through it. ”
On the defining goal, Stephenson handed over without hesitation to Pacioretty, whose shot was converted by Stone on the rebound.
“It’s really hard to see teammates going through things like that. It’s touching for everyone, Stone said. That Chandler came up with that kind of performance was inspirational. ”