Vegas Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson's first All-Star weekend is in the books.
Now, it's time to get back to work.
The Golden Knights received some disappointing news during the break that team captain Mark Stone will be out indefinitely after undergoing another back surgery.
This setback comes at the wrong time for a club that is looking to get back on track and start off its return from the break on a high note.
"I think obviously, any time you're off a break, it's tough to get your legs under you," Stephenson told the media after Saturday's slate of All-Star games. "But yeah, I mean, everybody knows what's ahead with Stoney being out, so I think everybody is ready for it and yeah, hopefully enjoyed the break and got some rest and [now we] push to the finish."
Vegas jumped out to an early lead on the Western Conference this season but now finds itself third in the Pacific Division at the break.
"Last year obviously, with all the injuries we had, the guys hurt, I think this year, guys realize how hard it is to get in," Stephenson said. "And can't take a night off or can't take it for granted or think it's going to be easy. So when you got your captain and your leader out, everybody needs to be better, and I think guys are ready for that."
The Golden Knights have lost seven of their last eight contests, but Stephenson believes the team still has some momentum from its drought before the break.
"I think we were on the end of a losing streak of we were playing good hockey and should've won games and maybe we didn't, as opposed to when you are winning games and maybe you shouldn't be," Stephenson said. "So yeah, I think it was positive for sure. And obviously, we're still losing games. We want to win and I think that going forward that everybody will be better and I think the break was good for just a reset."
Vegas will face the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, the second meeting of the season between the two Western Conference clubs.
Follow along with VGK Today for live updates throughout Tuesday's contest.
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