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Mantha’s return to the lineup is a long overdue beacon of hope for players and fans alike. Even in the midst of a losing season, it’s fun to watch the big man play. With Athanasiou finding his game again, tonight could be a good contest to watch. However, the team is hoping Mantha will avoid scraps Mlive Link

Big Mo was sticking up for a teammate when Jake Muzzin did his best Brad Marchand impression with a nasty slew foot that caused a rib to puncture one of Mantha’s lungs. That nasty bit is a hard lesson about the league. Someone needs to step up, and unfortunately the guys with the biggest hearts are also too important to be fighting (at least on this squad).

Givanni Smith will certainly be a boon in this category, but he was sent back to Grand Rapids along with Taro Hirose. With Mantha and Nielsen being removed from IR, the moves became necessary. Hirose, Smith sent to GR, Ericsson on waivers

Also of interest in that last article, Jonathan Ericsson was waived again. Set this clearly in the category of “that’s not how Kenny did it!” And a huge relief to fans. Gustav Lindstrom has proven to show more value on the ice to the Wings than the veteran. It is a good sign that “the better player” is going to win spots. It’s also eye opening that Hirose failed to make much of an impression once again this year. The forward started his pro career at nearly a point per game pace last season but was unable to pick back up where he’d left off. The coach comments seem to indicate difficulty handling the physicality of NHL players. Hirose will be wise to try and bulk up this summer. A personal recommendation would be to train with Mantha. Big Mo seems to get stronger every year. Hirose is not a lost cause, but evidence of how difficult the transition is for so many players.

So, tonight’s contest will be an interesting watch for several reasons. Will Detroit continue to get high level goaltending? Can Perlini get back on the scoreboard? Will Mantha put up some numbers and remind us all why we missed him so much? No clue. I ran a simulation through NHL20 and they have Detroit losing 3-2 while outshooting Buffalo 48-24. A bit of an ironic piece with Sunday’s win being just as lopsided the other way in shots on net.

We’re in the final stretch. Less than two weeks for GMs to buy or sell (in relation to playoff eligibility). Pittsburgh made a big splash yesterday with Rutherford finally getting Zucker and getting rid of Galchenyuk after his disappointing campaign. (Though it did cost him a first round pick). Galchenyuk was once thought (by some) to be the winning piece in the trade for Max Domi out of Montreal. That didn’t quite pan out. The once 30 goal scorer has fallen off in Perlini like fashion (though not quite as sever). Hoping Minnesota is an opportunity to get back on track for the former first round pick.

So, tune in! This could be fun. Get me your trade proposals and let’s see if any of you are wire tapping the GM (or at least on the same wavelength). I’ll touch base after the game to see how it all shook out.

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