Sports
Anthony Mantha Shines in Calgary Flames Debut Against Vancouver Canucks
The Calgary Flames commenced their season against the Vancouver Canucks with a challenging opening, falling behind 3-0 within the first nine minutes. However, the Flames showcased resilience, spurred by the impressive performance of Anthony Mantha, a freshly signed team member.
Mantha, acquired in the offseason on a one-year redemption contract, marked his debut with a Gordie Howe hat trick, a feat not accomplished by a Flames player since Alex Chiasson in 2016.
Initially, Mantha retaliated against J.T. Miller for a contentious hit on Kevin Rooney, which resulted in Rooney being sidelined. Although the hit was deemed clean, Mantha stood in solidarity with his teammate by confronting Miller during the subsequent shift. This confrontation resulted in a roughing penalty for Mantha.
Following the expiration of his penalty, Mantha quickly intercepted a pass and showcased his speed, racing into the Canucks’ zone to score with a five-hole backhander against Arturs Silovs. This goal injected much-needed momentum into the Flames, narrowing the deficit in the opening period.
Mantha’s contributions did not conclude there. Shortly afterward, he engaged in a fight with Miller, further demonstrating his willingness to support his teammate Rooney.
Historically, Mantha has recorded 14 major penalties throughout his NHL tenure, indicating that while he possesses physical presence, he is primarily a goal scorer rather than an enforcer. His actions against the Canucks highlighted his commitment to the team ethos.
In the third period, Mantha completed his Gordie Howe hat trick by assisting Martin Pospisil, who scored from the slot, closing the Canucks’ lead to a single goal.
The Flames are hopeful that Mantha, with his strong start, may either become a valuable trade asset or integrate as a core team member as the franchise evolves. Given his performance, Mantha could play a significant role in the Flames’ future, either through leadership or scoring prowess.
