Hi everybody and welcome to Episode 19 of Season 2 of Red Wings Rant hosted by the Brothers of Discussion and brought to you by the Hockey Podcast Network.  Where tirades and impassioned pleas about your Detroit Red Wings, finally, have a home.

The Red Wings came close to their first two game winning streak of the season against the Panthers. Where did we find success?

We also take a deep dive into the numbers of Anthony Mantha. What has he done this year and where can his game improve based on success from previous seasons?

We also touch on Scott Wheeler’s prospect pool rankings and the improvement the WIngs saw in game two vs the Tampa Bay Lightning, despite the loss.

And we open up the floor to questions from YOU!

Anthony Mantha was Benched

Mantha’s 2021 Numbers

• .54 points per game - On pace for a 44 point season. 1.80 points per 60 - 2021

• .76 ixG per 60

• 3.14 xGF per 60

• 17.92 minutes per game

• The offensive zone start % is up

• The on-ice shot percentage is way down

Mantha’s Numbers 2017-2020

• 134 points - On pace for 58 (avg) points per season  - 2.37 points per 60 last three seasons 

• .86 ixG per 60 

• 3.14 xGF per 60

• 2019-20 - Was on pace for a 72 point season.

• 17.84 minutes per game

Anthony Mantha’s 2021 Efforts

Long story short, Anthony Mantha is getting the chances he has gotten in the last couple of seasons. The main significant difference in comparing these seasons is his actual output for points and goals. 

While his short percentage has not taken a clear dip, his on-ice shot percentage has, meaning his teammates aren’t putting it into the net either. 

This team is by no means a cup contender, so I don’t expect a major turnaround. What I do see is a man who is performing at a high level and arguably better (from an advanced analytics perspective on chances and possession) than the previous season.

While it is boring to make the big conclusion along the lines of “It will get better”, it honestly will get better. A point streak or big multi-point game is coming. Maybe we need to wait for Bert. Maybe we need the Hockey Gods to wake up. Whatever it is, Mantha can’t fix bounces and he can’t fix bad luck.

We can ask him to keep shooting the puck and to continue to skate with all of the minutes Blashill is currently handing out. And as far as I can tell, Anthony Mantha is doing that. 

Just like with this team. Just like with Jeff Blashill. And just like with Steve Yzerman. Mantha just needs a little patience from the fans. It will (or at least, should) turn around.

Up Next: Nashville Predators

The Red Wings will have a chance to finally bounce out of the last place position in the Central Division. With a two-point difference in the standings, the Nashville Predators have not impressed a lot of hockey fans.

The Red Wings have two 8:00 PM games on Thursday and Saturday in Nashville.

The biggest chance for a win will come at trying to break through the goaltending tandem of Juuse Saros and Pekka Rinne. The Red Wings actually have the advantage in save percentage and goal against average. Mostly thanks to Thomas Greiss and his .904 sv% and 2.90 GAA.

If the Red Wings continue to get strong goaltending from Greiss, this will be a close series, while neither team has been able to stand out offensively (through the 2021 campaign), the Red Wings style of play should be able to keep this low scoring as well.

Look for at least one win in this end of week matchup, but cross your fingers for two!