The Detroit Red Wings announced that forward Anthony Mantha is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Detroit also recalled goalie Jimmy Howard from his conditioning assignment with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.
The #RedWings today recalled goaltender Jimmy Howard from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and removed him from long-term IR.
Additionally, the #RedWings placed right wing Anthony Mantha on injured reserve.
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— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 22, 2019
Anthony Mantha Out for Red Wings
Mantha was tangled up with Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin late in the third period of the Leafs’ 4-1 victory on Saturday night. Muzzin threw Mantha down to the ice and the Detroit forward fell awkwardly.
The 25-year-old eventually left the ice, but was groggy. Tensions grew after that and there was nastiness between the two Original Six rivals to end the game. Detroit also had goalie Jonathan Bernier leave the game with a sore groin just seven minutes in the game.
Mantha has scored 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points to go along with 28 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers are 52.6 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 8.0.
He’s only played for the Red Wings during his five-year NHL career. He has 80 goals and 79 assists for 159 career points in 246 career games. Detroit originally drafted Mantha in the first round, 20th overall of the 2013 NHL Draft.
“That’s real scary, I just hope he is all right,” Blashill said of Mantha’s fall to The Detroit News. “He (Mantha) went in to defend the hit, he initiated it and Muzzin took him down.
What This Means for the Future
Mantha has been one of the few bright spots on a struggling Red Wings team that’s languishing at the bottom of the league. He is the second-leading scorer on the team behind Tyler Bertuzzi.
Howard’s recall means that Bernier may miss some time. Calvin Pickard came on in relief of Bernier is Saturday’s game. The Red Wings’ last game before the Christmas break is Sunday night against the Arizona Coyotes at Little Caesar’s Arena.
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 01: Detroit Red Wings Right Wing Anthony Mantha (39) skates the puck up ice during a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Carolina Hurricanes on November 1, 2019 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
