The NHL Redux: Mark Stone, throwback winger thriving in today's NHL

Do right by the game.

There probably isn't a saying harped on as often, and in turn, more routinely overcooked by coaches, executives, and media members alike - at least in terms of hockeyspeak.

It's a safety net and preset response; an alternative to novel analysis and a means to plug empty airspace. But it's also very much the reason Mark Stone is a NHL player, and serving a role of paramount importance to the Ottawa Senators.

A big-bodied power winger with soft hands and fervent attention to finer detail, Stone is a throwback player thriving in today's game. And while his build may be better suited for the eras of the NHL's problematic past, a time where heavy forwards were worth their weight in gold, Stone has devised a method for success - no matter the direction the game takes.

It's not as simple as appeasing a coaching staff, or those who still look at the game through an old fashioned lens. But an intense study of the game, personal drawbacks, and the ability to pull information from those who did it before him.

"I watched a lot of hockey as a kid. I (modeled) my game after Mats Sundin - tried to picture him as much as I could, the way he played. He wasn’t the fastest guy on the ice, but he had a lot of skill, could see the ice really, really well and made everyone around him better," Stone told theScore.

"I think I am one of the smartest guys on the ice on a night-to-night basis. I’ve been able to improve my speed, and get that extra step that can put me in open areas and score goals. Earlier on in my career I relied solely on my skills and smarts, and now I have been able to find that extra gear."

Stone's pace has been more of a talking point than an actual deterrent in his career, but his inability to travel across the ice with grace has still been of consequence.

He was a fifth round selection, No. 92 overall to the Brandon Wheat Kings, in his Major Junior draft despite producing at a goal-per-game pace in midget. And while a head injury was the primary reason for his slip to No. 178 overall at the 2010 NHL Draft, he was still a forgotten prospect who lacked NHL-caliber foot speed - perhaps the most important attribute in the eyes of NHL scouts.

Two seasons and 229 points later, Stone played himself into the upper-echelon of Senators prospects, and he moved on to the American Hockey League - the most important stage of development for any unrefined prospect.

In his time there, he acquired the skills that would help him strive further, such as his uncanny ability to force turnovers (he led the NHL as a rookie) and create his own offense.

But just like any stage of his career, the approach was the same. Still doubted, but confident. Still observing, always learning.

"The Corey Perrys, the Jamie Benns, they use their size to their advantage. They are really good with people leaning on them when they’re going to the net, and are still able to make those crafty plays. Most of those guys have heavy, heavy shots and they can beat goalies from pretty much anywhere."

This summer, for the first time ever, there were no longer questions about Stone's viability as an NHL player. In fact, he suggests he really wasn't feeling too much pressure to produce an encore for his Calder Trophy-nominated 64-point season. And so far, with nine points in eight games, he's on pace to better his rookie campaign.

But validation, though, hasn't meant complacency.

"I don’t have a lot of doubt in my game," he said, "I just want to improve every day."

THE TEN

10) Andrew Cogliano: The Ducks' middle-six forward came away unscathed in his 630th straight game to start his career Monday, meaning he'll be second only to Doug Jarvis when he dresses Tuesday versus the Stars.

9) John Hynes: The head coach getting the most from the least talent right now is not named Mike Babcock. Hynes has the Devils on a four-game winning streak after a perfect 3-0 week.

8) Jaroslav Halak: With two shutouts in his first three starts this season - all made this week - Halak has propelled the Islanders to within a point of the Division lead.

7) Tyler Toffoli: Five goals in his last five games, including three in as many games this week, featured this show-stopper on former teammate Martin Jones.

6) Max Domi: It was Domi night in Toronto on Monday, and the kid came through with a lethal snap shot from an awkward shooting position. Not as awkward as his father's reaction, though.

5) Jonathan Quick: The Kings' goalie has dug in since allowing 11 goals through his first three starts, conceding three over the last four games and galvanizing his team's five-game win streak.

4) Mattias Ekholm: Bottom-pairing defenseman don't typically receive six years and $22.5 million. But, Ekholm isn't a typical bottom-pairing defenseman.

3) Washington Capitals: Seventeen goals in three games on their western Canadian road swing, the Capitals remain the most potent offense through the season's first three weeks.

2) Evgeny Kuznetsov: Kuznetsov contributed on nine of those 17 Capitals goals - which included a five-point effort versus the Oilers and first star selection from the NHL.

1) Jonathan Toews: It doesn't get better than consecutive overtime winners after scoreless regulations.

THE TAKES

1) The Ducks should have never messed with their lines.

There's no stronger indication of Anaheim's overconfidence entering the season than the coaching staff's decision to dump new talent in with the old and pulse the lines in a blender. The arrogance might cost Bruce Boudreau his job ...

2) ... but it shouldn't.

As the speculation intensified, so did the Ducks' play. They deserved much better than their 1-0 overtime loss to the Blackhawks on Monday night.

3) Barkov's injury looms larger than Kane's, Schwartz's.

The Sabres aren't ready to compete for a postseason spot, and any injury won't result in the Blues conceding theirs, but Barkov's two-to-four week absence from a broken hand will have major implications on the Panthers' season.

4) Toews, Crawford, and the Blackhawks did something we may never see again.

The two became the first in the modern era to score the game-winner and record the shutout together in consecutive overtime games. But more amazingly, they did it against the Lightning and Ducks, marking the first time ever that a defending Stanley Cup winner has shut out the conference and Stanley Cup Final runners up in the following season.

5) Pacioretty is the best two-way winger in the NHL.

The Canadiens are producing 6.48 goals/60 minutes with Pacioretty on the ice. The opposition has yet to scratch down one.

6) Jackman signing as best bargain bin buy.

Jackman, too, hasn't pulled one out of his own net through his first seven games with the Predators, and has team-best possession numbers on a typically strong possession team.

7) Sharp isn't merely a passenger.

His three assists is meager output, really, when you consider his linemates are Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, but Sharp has provided understated, winning contributions for the Stars.

8) For all the amazing rookie performances, Rantanen was not one of them.

Zero points and a team-worst 30.5 Corsi For percentage in six starts before his demotion last week. Next year.

9) McDavid's shot was beyond the goal line.

It was.

10) Jeremy Roenick wouldn't fare well against an alligator.

This is for sure.