Detroit Red Wings at the 2019 IIHF World Championship
By Cory Mello
1. Anthony Mantha – GP:3 | G:3 | A:4 | P:7
After returning to the Detroit Red Wings’ after breaking his hand, Mantha was on a tear. It also appears he has brought that same level to the 2019 IIHF Tournament. Playing on a line with Nashville Predators center Kyle Turris, the two quickly have developed chemistry that has been dominating thus far in the tournament. Scoring 2 goals, and 3 assists against Great Britain. Mantha is the leading scorer for Team Canada, and second in overall points behind only Sweden’s William Nylander. Mantha has been playing like he has something to prove.
Scoring 25 goals in 67 games, Mantha was well on his way to a 30-goal season, which would have given the Red Wings three 30-goal scorers. At times, Mantha has been criticized by head coach Jeff Blashill, for not being consistent on a daily basis. One thing about Mantha however, is when he is red hot, he’s a dangerous guy to play against. If Mantha remains red hot throughout this tournament, expect a big season from him come training camp.
2. Tyler Bertuzzi – GP:2 | G:0 | A:0 | P:0
Playing as the fourth line left-winger, Bertuzzi will not be counted on to provide the type of offense that is required as a top-six forward with the Detroit Red Wings. At no fault of his own, Bertuzzi has seen limited action as there happens to be an abundance of talent in front of him and he’s also been a healthy scratch.
We all know how valuable Bertuzzi is to a Detroit Red Wings roster that doesn’t have the scrappiness that “Bert” brings to the line-up game in and game out. As for playing with Team Canada, Bertuzzi will not be given tons of opportunities to establish himself. Although a valuable asset to the Detroit Red Wings, Bertuzzi will not be looked upon the same way we all see him daily.
With that in mind, I do think Bertuzzi will find a way to cash in at least once in this tournament. His style of play is vital, especially if a game gets chippy. That’s when he begins to exceed. Though not a big part of this Canadian roster, Bertuzzi will be expected to build off a career year in Hockeytown and help with the rebuilding process.