Recapping Last Night: 

***

Anthony Mantha has proved his worth since being called up less than a month ago. The 6'5" power forward has recently been playing alongside Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Tatar, averaging nearly 17 minutes per game with significant power play time. In his 12 games played this season, Mantha has put up seven points (4G, 3A) while averaging nearly three shots on goal per game. Check out this sweet setup from Dylan Larkin to Mantha last night, helping the Red Wings to a 4-3 victory last night over Winnipeg. 

 

Larkin and Mantha connect. #LGRW https://t.co/YFVl7eTSHZ

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 7, 2016

***

Another two-point performance from Patrik Laine last night, which feels like a broken record saying it again and again. Another game, another absolute snipe from the top of the face-off circle. Even more impressive may have been the saucer-pass that he laid over to Dustin Byfuglien on a two-on-one. As if you needed another reason to have Laine on your fantasy team, it looks as if hes starting to get more comfortable with being physical. The rookie has 13 hits in his last 6 games, after starting the year with a more modest 22 hits in his first 23 contests. 

Laine's Assist and Goal vs. Detroit – Apologies on the embed issue.

***

One player who hasn't gotten enough credit for his strong play to start the season is Damon Severson. A player who played in nearly 125 NHL games prior to this season has taken his play to another level in the first 25 games of the 2016-17 season. Before this year, Severson's career high in points was 21, a number he is sure to eclipse this year after posting 15 points in 25 contests. His 15 points rank him among the top 20 point producers for defensemen in the league, and his six power play points rank him in the top 15. 

***

Looking back on Mikko Rantanen's last ten games, it's clear he is beginning to turn the corner in his young NHL career and match some of the production he put up in the American Hockey League last year. Nine of his 11 points have come in his last 10\games, with two goals and eight assists. The 20 year-old has had a solid assists per 60 minutes rate of 1.40, which ranks fifth among rookie forwards who have played 19 or more games this season. 

***

Ryan Hartman came into this season with the hope of sticking at the NHL level, and he has done just that. The fiery forward is a good, cheap, multi-category option for fantasy owners averaging two shots on goal per game (46) and just under two hits per game (36). The Blackhawks youngster isn't likely to put up significant points numbers, but his all-around game is valuable. Last night alone, Hartman had a goal and an assist while adding three shots and five hits.  

***

Tonight's Games:

Minnesota at Toronto – 7:30PM ET

Boston at Washington – 8:00PM ET

Carolina at Anaheim – 10:30PM ET

Ottawa at San Jose – 10:30PM ET

 

Give Kevin a follow @kleblanchockey for NHL prospect talk and happenings.