reviewjournal
Mitch Marner was back on the ice for practice Monday, rejoining the Vegas Golden Knights after a two-game absence to witness the arrival of his second child. Marner and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed son Bennett on Thursday; the newborn joins 15-month-old Miles in the family.
Everything went great, Marner said. Shes doing great. Theyre back home now, so its nice.
While Marner remained at home, the Knights traveled for contests in St. Louis on Thursday and Columbus on Saturday, dropping both and stretching their losing skid to three games. Even from the hospital, the star forward couldnt fully detach from his teams performance. The television was tuned to the Blues game as the family awaited Bennetts arrival.
My wife wasnt too happy, Marner said with a laugh. We had it on mute. We were playing music instead, but I dont think my wife was too thrilled I was watching the game.
The missed games were only the second and third Marner has sat out since joining the Knights last season. He previously missed the teams first game after the Winter Olympics in February while earning a silver medal with Canada.
Marner believed stepping away for a few days to support his family was the right choice. What our wives go through with the birth of a kid, its not easy, he said. I just wanted to be there for her and Bennett and make sure everyones OK.
Given how the road trip unfolded, Marners presence might not have altered the outcomes. The Knights fell 6-2 to the Blues after surrendering three unanswered third-period goals, then dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to the Blue Jackets on Saturday.
Marner will return to the lineup Tuesday when Vegas hosts the Ottawa Senators, a team against which he has amassed 41 points in 40 career games. The 29-year-old carries a personal seven-game point streak into Tuesday, which opens a two-game homestand before a four-game road trip beginning Monday in Boston.
His return should provide a lift for a team in need of one. Ottawas been playing some really good hockey, Marner said. Weve got to be sure were ready to go.
Originally reported by reviewjournal.