While the Rangers surprised many in their opening round series with Ottawa by breaking out college rookie Chris Kreider, the Senators may have a stunning rookie debut of their own in tonight’s Game 5.
Senators Extra’s s Allan Panzeri reports coach Paul MacLean could be starting forward Mark Stone on the fourth line, making way for his NHL debut as Ottawa is knotted up at two games a-piece in the series. Stone’s season with the Brandon Wheat Kings came to an end recently and after having an impressive career in the WHL and with Team Canada in the World Junior Championships, he’s hoping he can keep it going in the NHL playoffs.
Panzeri reports if Stone plays, he’ll be on the fourth line with Zenon Konopka and Jim O’Brien. For a talented big forward like Stone (6’3″ 200 pounds), getting to slug it out on the fourth way makes sense for the time being. After all, he’s not going in there to be the next Daniel Alfredsson.
