Anthony Mantha’s Comeback with the Pittsburgh Penguins
A year after suffering a significant injury, Anthony Mantha is making a remarkable comeback with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The right winger, who previously played for the Calgary Flames, faced a setback when he tore his ACL in a surprising incident, limiting him to just 13 games last season. Now, after signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Penguins, he seems to have picked up right where he left off with impressive performance metrics.
Impressive Performance Metrics
In just 21 games this season, the 31-year-old has netted eight goals and accumulated 14 points, positioning himself on an impressive trajectory of 31 goals and 55 points, both of which would mark career bests for him.
Preparation and Motivation
While Mantha didn’t expect to start the season so strongly, he acknowledges the rigorous preparation he undertook during his 11 months of rehabilitation.
“I worked hard both physically and mentally to prepare for this season, so I’m not really surprised by the results I’m seeing,”
he noted.
“But seeing progress is encouraging, and it motivates me to keep striving for better performance.”
Coaching Recognition
Pittsburgh head coach Dan Muse has also recognized Mantha’s dedication, highlighting his commitment over the summer and the effort he put into his rehabilitation process. Muse remarked,
“Clearly, he’s put in the work to set himself up for success, and we’re pleased to see the results reflect that.”
Historical Context and Current Dynamics
Historically, Mantha’s best season came during the 2018-19 campaign, where he scored 25 goals and tallied 48 points with the Detroit Red Wings, who drafted him 20th overall in 2013. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of playing alongside standout players like Dylan Larkin and Alex Ovechkin. However, this season, he’s benefiting from the elite playmaking of Evgeni Malkin, whose skill has been crucial in boosting Mantha’s offensive output.
“Playing with Geno is definitely an advantage,”
Mantha acknowledged.
“He’s an exceptional talent who knows how to find open plays that many centers might miss. My role is to create space for him and anticipate where I need to be for those give-and-go opportunities.”
Team Dynamics and Camaraderie
Moreover, the physical attributes of the Penguins’ second line also enhance Mantha’s play. With Malkin and Mantha both standing at 6-foot-5 and Mantha weighing in at 240 pounds, their size provides a distinct edge in both puck battles and maintaining a strong presence in front of the net.
“Our success stems from how we complement each other’s playing styles, whether it’s through setting screens or winning battles along the boards,”
Mantha explained.
As he integrates into the Penguins’ squad, Mantha has found a strong camaraderie within the locker room, which boasts a mix of veterans and younger players. He appreciates the maturity and experience that the older players bring to the team dynamic.
“It’s inspiring to be around such seasoned players. They set a standard for everyone, and it’s been motivating to learn from them on a daily basis,”
he stated.
Conclusion
Overall, Anthony Mantha’s journey this season is a testament to his resilience and determination, and as he continues to perform at such a high level, hopes are high for both him and the Penguins.
