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“I think I’m shooting the puck more and trying to get open for my teammates,” Stone said after Thursday’s morning skate. “I think as a group we’re producing a lot of offence and most of the goals we score are pretty simple.

“They’re not incredible plays. We’re sticking to what works and a lot of the goals scored have been shooting, rebounds and getting those pucks that are right beside the net.”

Stone’s role on the Senators has changed this season.

At the end of camp, coach Guy Boucher made Stone one of the club’s alternate captains because he felt like he was ready to make the next step. He isn’t the most talkative player in the room, but Stone plays right way at both ends of the ice and leads by example. Those are both strong qualities.

The top players in the league make those around them better. Through the early part of the season, Stone and Brassard have fed off each and they’ve both been able to benefit with success on the scoreboard.

“(Stone’s) one of those guys that cares a lot,” Boucher said. “Last year was a real progression, not only in the player, but also in the man. From that, the next step is the leadership part.”

Perhaps, last spring’s trip to the conference final against the Penguins has played a role in Stone’s progression as well, Boucher notes.

“He’s had a taste, also, of being so close in the Stanley Cup playoffs like the other guys,” Boucher added. “Guys that have character, they don’t sit on that, it’s the opposite, they smell blood and they want more.