In his highly anticipated debut with the Calgary Flames, forward Anthony Mantha delivered a performance for the ages, showcasing his skill set in emphatic fashion. The seasoned 30-year-old wasted no time in making an impact, recording a Gordie Howe hat trick – a goal, an assist, and a fight – in the Flames’ thrilling season-opening 6-5 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks.
Mantha’s arrival in Calgary came after signing a lucrative one-year, $3.5 million deal following stints with the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights. Reflecting on his standout performance, Mantha humbly remarked, “You count your hat tricks and you count your Gordies. It’s one of those things in hockey that you just know … I think it was the second of my career,” although in truth, it was his fourth.
The Flames’ newest acquisition showcased his offensive prowess with a breakaway goal and a key assist on Martin Pospisil’s third-period tally. However, it was his spirited fight against Canucks forward JT Miller that truly left a lasting impression on the game. After Miller’s hard check on Flames center Kevin Rooney led to Rooney’s departure from the game, Mantha wasted no time in stepping up to defend his teammate’s honor.
Despite Miller’s initial reluctance to engage in fisticuffs, Mantha’s determination to stand up for his team never wavered. “On the bench, I was telling [Miller] just, ‘Choose who you want [to fight],’” Mantha revealed, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his teammates and his readiness to engage in the physical aspect of the game.
Mantha’s multifaceted contribution to the Flames’ success in his debut left fans and pundits alike buzzing with excitement for what the future may hold for the veteran forward in Calgary. With his blend of scoring touch, playmaking ability, and willingness to stand up for his teammates, Mantha has already endeared himself to the Flames faithful and established himself as a key figure in the team’s quest for success this season.