BROSSARD | Anthony Mantha watched the Capitals’ second game from up in the press box, which he didn’t like.
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“Of course it’s not the start you want, but I keep working hard, my mind is in the right place at the moment. As soon as I get my chance, I will take it,” admitted the great striker on Friday afternoon.
Mantha didn’t score any points in two games and was even on the Capitals’ fourth line.
“I would rather be in this role than in the stands. I will try to do it as best as I can and if I need to play a different role, I will step in and not let it go.”
Adjustment
It appears Mantha, who had 11 goals and 16 assists in 67 games in Washington last year, is on a learning curve with a new coach who has different demands.
Spencer Carbury wants to ensure the 29-year-old right winger fits the mold and if you read between the lines, that means improving his defensive game.
“We talked a lot,” Carbery said. He began the year looking for a fresh start with a new coaching staff. We want him to adapt to our structure and there are certain elements of his game that he needs to adapt to be effective.
“We know that he can be a very good offensive player. He has proven that in this league. We take it step by step. I told him it will be a process and nothing will happen immediately. But he’s working hard to regain his offensive efficiency.”
Opportunity to be exploited
Carbery intends to use Mantha against the Canadian. We believe it is even a challenge that he poses to the Quebecer, who after three games is one of the attackers he has used the least with an average of 12:43 of ice time.
“I like when players come back to play at home because it’s a good motivation and I hope he enjoys it in front of friends and family.”
Mantha, who is in the final year of his contract, believes he has taken the necessary steps to arrive at camp in good shape. As he said, he lost about ten pounds in the summer when he met him at Serge Savard’s golf tournament.
“I think it makes a difference, my first step is faster and more powerful and that’s what I really wanted.” I wanted to come out of the corners faster, I wanted to do the little details faster and I’m very happy with my summer satisfied.