“He was a legendary player. […] I’m going to see my grandfather [André Pronovost, ancien joueur du CH, NDLR] today and we will surely talk about it. He probably has a good story or two about him to tell me. »
Posted at 3:08 p.m.
Anthony Mantha was preparing to head to the Bell Center for optional Capitals practice on Friday morning when he learned of Mike Bossy’s death on Instagram. Too young to have seen him at work on the ice, the Longueuillois nevertheless had good words for the one who remains one of the best scorers in the history of the NHL.
“He had a great career with the Islanders. It’s a dream career. […] A 50-goal season doesn’t happen much these days, but it’s amazing. »
PHOTO GEOFF BURKE, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Anthony Mantha
It doesn’t happen often anymore, but Mantha rubs shoulders on a daily basis with one of the few to still do it to this day: Alex Ovechkin. The 36-year-old Russian is currently four goals away from tying the record for the most 50-goal seasons (9) in league history, held by Wayne Gretzky and… Mike Bossy.
It’s quite incredible. It seems like every time he scores or has a point, it’s a new record or he passes someone on the list of greatest players of all time.
Anthony Mantha, about Alex Ovechkin
” After [les matchs], he tries to collect the most pucks and sticks. He goes home with three pucks or two sticks,” he said with a laugh.
PHOTO TIMOTHY T. LUDWIG, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin, whose political beliefs have been widely talked about in recent months as the Russian invasion continues in Ukraine, has 776 goals in 1,269 career games. He ranks third in all-time leading scorers behind Gordie Howe (801) and Wayne Gretzky (894). In Mantha’s opinion, Gretzky’s record is within his teammate’s reach.
“He tries to take care of his body as much as possible,” he said. Age is against him a bit at the moment. Everyone said this season would be more difficult for him, but he started the season with a bang. Ovechkin is Ovechkin and in my opinion he will overtake him. »
In an interview with the Capitals reporter on Friday morning, Alex Ovechkin extolled the exploits of Mike Bossy.
“I met him a few times. He was always smiling, was always in a good mood, he said It’s a sad day for the hockey world. He was a legend and an extraordinary person. He was one of the biggest scorers. I only wish good for his family. »
A quick return
Anthony Mantha suffered a serious shoulder injury in a game against the Florida Panthers on November 4. Two days later, he went under the knife. The doctors planned a stoppage of four to six months. The 27-year-old striker only took four months to return to action on March 3.
“It’s the biggest injury I’ve had in my career,” he said. Just having the same routine every day at the arena to get one more degree to recover my full mobility in the shoulder was tough. You don’t see progress happening as fast as you would think. »
“My mentality was to come back after four months, do as much as I could to get there and have about 20 games before the playoffs to try to find my game and help the team win” , he added.
At the time of his injury, Mantha had a record of 6 points in 10 games. Since his return, his offensive production is 11 points in 19 games. He plays on the third line alongside Lars Eller and Tom Wilson.
“We have to keep it simple,” he explained. We send the puck deep in the zone and we are fast and imposing. We will recover the puck and keep it in the offensive zone. »
Anthony Mantha and the Capitals will face the Canadiens on Saturday night at the Bell Centre.