Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Stephenson set to play for Golden Knights in Game 3 despite illness

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Steve Marcus

Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (20) is honored of as a Star of the Knight after the Knights 3-2 overtime win against the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. Stephenson scored the winning goal.

Updated Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | 6:46 p.m.

DALLAS — After missing morning skate due to an illness, Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson is in the lineup and will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars (5 p.m., ESPN).

Stephenson scored the game-winning overtime goal in Game 2, a 3-2 victory for Vegas to give them a 2-0 series lead heading into American Airlines Center.

"He's a little under the weather, so we held him out this morning," coach Bruce Cassidy said earlier in the morning. "I'm going to assume he's going to go. We'll find out tonight, but that's the plan."

Stephenson is taking in his usual role at third-line center with Mark Stone and Brett Howden. Michael Amadio practiced in his place this morning.

Stephenson got off to a strong start in the playoffs, with eight points in the five-game, first-round series win against Winnipeg. But he has since quieted down, with five points in the eight games since. His 13 points are third most for the Golden Knights this postseason, behind Stone and Jack Eichel.

Stephenson's goal in Game 2 was his first since Game 1 in the second round against Edmonton.

Though the Golden Knights have their All-Star center in the lineup, they would have been confident making the necessary adjustments if needed. Amadio had a career-high 16 goals during the regular season and was a constant in the lineup before Teddy Blueger replaced him in Game 5 against Edmonton.

Blueger has provided a defensive presence on the fourth line and the Golden Knights are 4-0 since he went into the lineup.

"I think it helps with the depth we have, that we have four lines that can go against anybody," defenseman Nic Hague said. "We just do a good job staying in the moment and embracing the situation we're in."

Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.