It is without Nicklas Backström and Tom Wilson that the Washington Capitals will begin the next season. It is therefore a golden opportunity for Anthony Mantha to shine.
Posted yesterday at 5:28 p.m.
If this season it is Backström and Wilson who have to miss several weeks with hip and knee injuries respectively, Mantha was not spared last season. Last November, he underwent shoulder surgery. He had to miss several months, but he returned in time to play in the playoffs. He played in six games before the Florida Panthers eliminated the Capitals.
Now that his shoulder is restored, Mantha appeared dashing, smiling, but above all in great shape at the Serge Savard Invitational on Tuesday at Le Mirage golf club.
He’s back to his usual summer routine and he can’t wait to get back to the action. He says he is happy to have been able to play in the playoffs, that spending several months off the ice has greatly affected him. “Playing games before the summer was good mentally. »
His dearest wish on the eve of the next season is to be able to play the 82 matches scheduled on the schedule.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Anthony Mantha with Guy Carbonneau and Vincent Damphousse
Take his responsibilities
At 27, the Quebecer will begin his eighth campaign in the National Hockey League. The native of Longueuil finds himself in a winning environment in the American capital, which was less true during his first six seasons in the organization of the Detroit Red Wings.
He will play in a team full of veterans whose careers are progressing and who want to win now, to repeat the exploits of 2018.
“It doesn’t add pressure, he explained on the urgency of winning, because the guys know what they want and what it takes to get it. »
Washington has been a good team for several years. The goal is to get into the playoffs and when it comes to the playoffs, everyone knows, anything can happen. So for us, it’s to prove that we can perform well in the playoffs.
Anthony Mantha
However, performing well in season is no guarantee either. With the loss of Backström and Wilson, the giant format winger will have no choice but to take double bites. “I’m going to have a bigger role. I will take everything I can and I want to give my best,” he added.
In truth, Mantha wants to return the favor to his teammates. During his absence last season, they made up for his loss. It will be his turn to stand up: “For me, it’s just filling in the gaps that are missing by working hard. »
The Caps also changed their players in net. To make up for the departures of Vitek Vanecek and Ilya Samsonov, general manager Brian MacLellan signed goalkeepers Darcy Kuemper, who just won the championship with the Colorado Avalanche, and Charlie Lindgren, former Montreal Canadiens prospect. , from the St. Louis Blues.
“We were surprised, admitted Mantha. We acquire a goalkeeper who won the Stanley Cup last year. It’s a lot of experience, it’s confidence he can bring in front of the net. I can’t wait to meet him and I can’t wait to see how it goes. »