Mark Stone is new, so the Golden Knights right wing is excused for saying “playoffs” in recent interviews.
He wasn’t here last season when uttering that word before the Knights had a clinching ‘X’ beside their name in the standings was a major no-no.
But Jonathan Marchessault certainly was around, and the left wing said “playoffs” the other day. Defenseman Brayden McNabb did, too.
And coach Gerard Gallant referenced the postseason multiple times when asked about it Tuesday at City National Arena.
Gasp!
So why the change?
“We earned the right to say we’re a good team.