How Anthony Mantha Fits Into The Golden Knights Lineup
The Vegas Golden Knights made their first big move of the trade deadline to acquire Anthony Mantha and his two-way scoring abilities will have an intriguing impact on the lineup.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports - How Anthony Mantha Fits Into The Golden Knights LineupThe Vegas Golden Knights made their first big move of the trade deadline to acquire Anthony Mantha and his two-way scoring abilities will have an intriguing impact on the lineup.
Mantha brings a nice blend of skill and size to a Golden Knights roster that is filled with big heavy players. The element that Mantha brings that the roster may lack is his skating ability. Despite his 6'3 frame, Mantha moves around the easy fairly quickly. His long and smooth strides can be an effective tool for the Golden Knights to use in the playoffs.
Bruce Cassidy spoke to the media today and gave his thoughts on the acquisition.
"Big winger, can score, soft hands, good on the breakout and on the walls. His defensive metrics were solid this year with Washington".
The Canadian winger has done most of his offensive damage at even-strength this season. He led the Capitals, scoring 17 of his 20 goals at even-strength. Mantha utilizes his height to his advantage with his long reach. This allows him to shield players off when possessing the puck down low, win board battles and get his shot off.
That goal was a great example of what Mantha can provide. He uses an active stick and his long reach to steal the puck, makes a pass and then gets open before wiring home the one-timer.
Cassidy also stated that he'll use him on the power play. He hasn't decided if he'd like to use him on the elbow, in the bumper or as a net-front presence, but believes there's a spot for him there.
Cassidy mentioned that Mantha will likely play on the right wing on a line with William Karlsson and Chandler Stephenson.
The newly acquired winger will make his debut with the Golden Knights tonight when they take on the Vancouver Canucks.
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