from Samantha Pell of The Washington Post,

Capitals forward Anthony Mantha couldn’t help but laugh after his 10-hit performance in Game 1 of Washington’s first-round series against the Florida Panthers. It was not only the most hits in his short Capitals career, it was the most hits he’s had in a game — ever.

At the time, even Mantha didn’t sound confident he could keep up his physical play though a long series with Florida.

“I don’t know if I can get 10 again, obviously,” Mantha said with a laugh after Game 1. “But getting at least a couple out there just to get engaged in the game, trying to get them on their heels maybe. That one play that is going to create a turnover, [that] is going to be beneficial for us. Who knows, maybe I’ll get a little more, get a little less.”

With three games down, the Capitals lead the series, 2-1. And through it Mantha has flourished, continuing to sustain his engaging, physical play from Game 1.

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