The Daily: Vegas Sits Mantha in Game 4; Ullmark Not Crying

Former Detroit Red Wings player Anthony Mantha was scratched by Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy for Monday’s Game 3 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal against the Dallas Stars.

The Stars downed Vegas 4-2 in that game to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2 heading into Wednesday’s Game 5 in Dallas.

Mantha may not be reinserted right away. Michael Amadio, who replaced Mantha on the Vegas third line, scored in the loss. Amadio played 12:14 and posted three shots on goal.

The Golden Knights were looking for added scoring when they acquired Mantha from the Washington Capitals before the NHL trade deadline. Mantha was scoreless in his first three games against Dallas. He looked lackluster, less engaged than we’ve seen him this season. He was coming off his best season with the Capitals. The big winger scored 20 goals in 56 games for the Caps. He added three more goals and 10 points in 18 games with Vegas.

It’s been challenging for Vegas to score against the Stars’ defense in this series. The Golden Knights are only averaging two even-strength goals per game going into Game 5.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka helped his Skelleftea team win the Swedish Hockey League championship Monday night.
• Detroit defenseman Jeff Petry is joining Dylan Larkin and Alex Lyon on Team USA for the World Championships.
• Former Red Wings player Vladislav Namestnikov suffered a scary injury when he was struck in the face by a shot in Winnipeg’s game against Colorado.
• Andrew Gibson, a 2023 second round pick, signed an entry level contract with the Red Wings.

Red Wings Offseason

The Grand Rapids Griffins own a 1-0 series lead going into Game 2 of their Central Division semifinal against the Rockford IceHogs at Van Andel Arena Wednesday. Game 3 will be home Friday. Both games are 7 p.m. Jonatan Berggren scored in overtime to give Grand Rapids a win in Game 1.

Hockey Now Network

Boston:  Linus Ullmark is not being a “salty crybaby” about being in a backup role in the first round against Toronto. Boston Bruins

Montreal: Martin St. Louis is now one of the NHL’s longest tenured coaches. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: A former NHL goalie said the Philadelphia Flyers threw Ivan Fedotov into “hell” when he played his first games with the team.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski points out that trading Ryan Graves will be a challenging endeavor. It’s a bad contract.  Pittsburgh Penguins.