from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Is Anthony Mantha about to go on one of his hot streaks?

The Red Wings have been waiting for one of Mantha’s goal-scoring binges all season. Signs seem to point toward one coming.

Sunday’s goal with 10 seconds left in the Wings’ 2-1 loss to Carolina, was Mantha’s third goal in five games and second in two games, so it’s still in the infant stages.

But the eye test indicates Mantha is about to finally post the type of numbers the Wings have been waiting for.

“I hope so,” coach Jeff Blashill said Monday about whether Mantha is about ready to surge. “Anthony is one of those guys who when he feels good about himself, his game goes to a whole another level, and he’s feeling good about himself and confident.”

This hasn’t been the type of season Mantha has envisioned, thus far.

In 28 games, Mantha has 14 points (eight goals, six assists), has been a healthy scratch in one game, been benched or demoted in others, and hasn’t played to the level of the four-year, $22.8 million ($5.7 million salary cap hit) contract signed in the offseason.

“You always put pressure on yourself,” Mantha said Monday on a Zoom call with media. “Everyone competes hard in this room and everyone wants to win. Everyone puts pressure, and obviously when things aren’t going as well, you might put a little extra (pressure) which sometimes can backfire real quick.”

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