The Calgary Flames opened up their season against the Vancouver Canucks, and didn’t have the best start. They fell behind 3-0 in the first nine minutes of the game, but they fought back due to the efforts of one of the newest members of the Flames. Anthony Mantha endeared himself to the team, fanbase, and potential trade partners in a big way.
Mantha, signed this offseason to a one-year deal on a redemption contract, had an absolutely incredible performance in his Flames debut, recording a Gordie Howe hat trick. It was the first one since Alex Chiasson’s all the way back in 2016.
Mantha’s goal
First off, Mantha went after J.T. Miller for his dangerous hit that knocked Kevin Rooney out of the game. It was a clean, though unnecessary hit, and Mantha stood up for his teammate by harassing Miller on the following shift. Unfortunately this led to Mantha taking a roughing penalty.
However, immediately as the penalty expired, Mantha came out of the box and intercepted a pass, turned on the jets to burst into the Canucks’ zone, and potted a nice five-hold backhander through the legs of Arturs Silovs.
It was the boost the Flames needed after falling down by three goals in the first period. What a way to start off your Flames career.
But Mantha wasn’t done yet.
Mantha’s fight
Just a few minutes later, Mantha dropped his gloves and fought Miller, once again standing up for his teammate, Rooney.
Mantha has 14 major penalties in his entire NHL career. He’s a big body, but not even close to a fighter. On a team that doesn’t have a ton of massive bodies or guys who can stand up to the very tough Miller, it says a lot that a goal scorer and new player in Mantha was willing to stand up.
Mantha’s assist
In the third period, Mantha completed the elusive Gordie Howe hattrick by setting up Martin Pospisil in the slot for his first goal of the season. It was a slick pass that was actually a very important goal for the Flames as it cut the Canucks’ lead to one goal.
A debut for the ages
The Flames are no doubt hoping that Mantha can potentially be a valuable trade asset at the deadline, but if Mantha gels with this team, he could become a core player that the Flames look to keep around as the team matures and grows.
There are worse players to have around than Mantha.
