Anthony Mantha shines despite Red Wings' loss outside in Toronto

Young forward is starting to make mark in NHL

Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha of the Detroit Red Wings celebrate a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2017 Scotiabank NHL Centennial Classic at BMO Field On January 1, 2017 in Toronto. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Detroit Red Wings rookie forward Anthony Mantha continues to be a bright spot for his team despite their losing record.

Mantha potted another 2 goals and assist in Sunday's Centennial Classic outdoor game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His goal with 1.1 seconds left in regulation sent the game into overtime, where the Leafs were able to prevail thanks to a goal from rookie sensation Auston Matthews.

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Mantha now has 5 goals and 2 assists in his past five games. His 9 goals this season have him among the top rookie scorers in the NHL. Only Dylan Larkin (11 goals) has more goals so far this season for the Red Wings. 

It's hard to believe Mantha, 22, spent the first part of the season in Grand Rapids playing for Detroit's AHL affiliate. The 6-foot-5 forward was highly touted out of juniors. The Red Wings selected him 20th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. 

His size, speed and hockey sense have made him a weapon for Detroit, a team in desperate need of offense as they try to claw back into the playoff picture. Sunday's loss won't help the cause much, but the Red Wings at least got a point thanks to Mantha's late tally to send the game into an extra period.

 

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