Sputniker
Registered User
- Jan 5, 2016
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That would be great, especially conseriding his developing. He's not far from consistent NHL-level.
LW Anthony Mantha (2013, 20th, DET) II
- Thread starter Woodhouse
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That would be great, especially conseriding his developing. He's not far from consistent NHL-level.
Vatican Roulette
Baile de Los Locos
He could, he does play physical and will fight.
He's more of triggerman than a PF like Simmonds.
Interesting, always thought that the biggest knock on him was that he wasn't physical enough
He's not a huge hitter, I think a lot of the criticism was more about using his size to win puck battles and protect the puck, which he has really improved the past few years.
PernellsWhiteAmi
Long Live Chappelle
How'd Mantha look in his first NHL game? I read he was on a line with Datsyuk and Tatar, and that the thought is to have him play with the big club for an extended period of time.
I didn't see the first period (when the Wings were outshot 23-2) but in the next few periods, Mantha was noticeable in a good way. His reach kept in a couple pucks that would've otherwise squirted past our guys in the offensive zone, he had good presence in front of the net, and had a breakaway where he pinged one off the post.
One of the few bright spots in the game.
One of the few bright spots in the game.
Whatever you thought were his biggest knocks, its time to re-evaluate. Its as if he has gone down the list of "knocks against him" and rectified them one by one at the professional level. He's a very different guy now than he was in his draft billing. It will probably cost him some flash and glory, but it'll also make him appreciated long-term like Jeff Carter as opposed to being a flash in the pan like Phil Kessel.
In short, he seems very aware that his career will be determined by his overall game and not his flashy pedigree.
Pavels Dog
Registered User
Looked nervous in the first few shifts (and Wings got dominated in the 1st), but got a lot better as the game went on. His great reach and awareness kept the puck alive to create the Datsyuk goal, and he gave Tatar an open net but the puck bounced over his stick. He also had 4 SOG and a breakaway that he hit the post on. Really just bad luck that he didn't leave the game with 1 or 2 points, so a very good NHL debut for him.
The Winter Soldier
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- Apr 4, 2011
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Mantha is a very interesting player to me. I think he will be a very good player. It may be only a matter of time.
Redwingsfan
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Pavels Dog
Registered User
The Winter Soldier
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Well, he just scored his first goal
Good for Anthony. I wish I could say I was being prophetic.
But not.
drw02
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- Aug 10, 2013
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I've been impressed with how Mantha has looked in the NHL so far. The production is modest but he's played really well in pretty much every game imo. He skates so well for a big man. Making smart decisions with the puck and without it. Creating good scoring chances. Not afraid to mix it up a little. Future looks bright for him.
What's weird is Mantha played well. Could have been a bit better defensively, but excellent offensively in a bunch of different respects. Improved the PP a lot.
Interesting quote from Holland regarding Mantha here, specifically the second part. Also interesting that Mantha ended up getting healthy scratched before being sent down.
But even so, why would any GM say this to the media? What is there to gain by trashing your own property? And why did they do this again? They've already done this to him. What is it about Mantha that causes the organization to lash out like this?
Pavels Dog
Registered User
He's right about the first part, Blashill has been using both Mantha and Athanasiou so sparingly that there's no point to them even being in the NHL instead of playing big minutes in the minors. The second part, I have no idea why Holland said that. Very unnecessary especially since Mantha has improved by leaps and bounds since last year and looked right at home in the top 6 in the NHL.
Interesting quote from Holland regarding Mantha here, specifically the second part. Also interesting that Mantha ended up getting healthy scratched before being sent down.
Dotter
THE ATHLETIC IS GARBAGE
Tough love. Trying to light a fire under his butt. Mantha is a goal scorer who isn't scoring many goals.
Gene Parmesan
Dedicated to babies who came feet first
izzy
go
Gene Parmesan
Dedicated to babies who came feet first
Can't treat them with kid gloves. Usually a public call out is when all other avenues of motivation have been exhausted.
