Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Image
When the Washington Capitals lost top-six forward Anthony Mantha just 10 games into the 2021-22 regular season due to shoulder surgery, it left a huge hole in their lineup that, while filled admirably by a myriad of players, was obviously needing its intended holder to plug. Since returning to the team, the 27-year old has been a much-needed jolt to the Caps’ offense.
During the first period of the Capitals’ March 17 tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Mantha scored two goals, coming just over eight minutes apart.
The first goal came at the 4:29 mark of the frame, assisted by T.J. Oshie.
ANTHONY MANTHONY IS ON 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/TwiJPF5VHe
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 17, 2022
The second came at the 12:20 mark, unassisted.
A little bit of this, a little bit of that…
Mantha 2, Blue Jackets 0! pic.twitter.com/rdwWRVyn3V
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 17, 2022
Since returning to the Caps’ lineup on March 3, Mantha has recorded five points, with all five in his last five contests (four goals, one assist). The two-goal performance marked Mantha’s first multi-goal game as a Capital and 14th overall. Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings last season in a deal that included former Capitals first-round pick Jakub Vrana, Mantha was expected to be a contributor to the Capitals’ top six forward group before going down with his shoulder injury.
Anthony Mantha scores his second goal of the game to extend the Capitals’ lead to 2-0. It marks Mantha’s 14th career multi-goal game and his first as a Capital.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 17, 2022
On the season, Mantha has 11 points (6 G, 5 A) in 17 Games Played, and since his return, the Caps have gone 6-0-1, including going without a regulation loss in the month of March.
The Capitals extend their point streak to seven games (6-0-1). Washington is one of two teams in the NHL without a regulation loss in March (Florida Panthers: 6-0-1).
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) March 18, 2022
“He’s a big body, he’s got a really good skill level, make plays”, Head Coach Peter Laviolette commented after the game, “He can be physical, he’s playing really well with Oshie and Backstrom, it’s been a real good line for us, so it’s been good to have him back”.
Missing a large chunk of the season was difficult for Mantha, whose return was welcomed by the team.
“I worked extremely hard for that four months…I was obviously focused on coming back strong, coming back soon as possible, but not really having an impact like I had the last couple of games. It’s awesome, the boys are cheering me on”.
“I worked extremely hard for that four months. It just feels good to be out there – be playing, having fun. It’s awesome, the boys are cheering me on.”
Anthony Mantha postgame after his two-goal night.#CapsJackets pic.twitter.com/wrkdXE3Iuu
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 18, 2022
By Michael Fleetwood
