Washington Capitals: Top 3 stars of April so far
#1 Anthony Mantha
On trade deadline day the Caps made the biggest splash by trading away Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Anthony Mantha. I’ll admit I was wrong about this trade. I didn’t like it at first but four games later, I’ve been proven wrong and I couldn’t be happier.
Mantha is a big dude, listed as six foot five and 234 pounds. He’s got a hard shot and a physical frame that fits perfectly with this big, physical Capitals team. Mantha has a goal in each of his first four games with the Captials, making him the first player in franchise history to accomplish this feat.
Manta has skated on the second line with T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom. When the Caps traded for him, he had to leave behind all that he had in Detroit including a new house. Despite the tough adjustment, he felt good that he felt wanted in Washington.
Mantha told Samantha Pell of The Washington Post (subscription required):
"“Washington came to get me so their expectations are probably high also like mine, so I will try to do my best this year. It is just fun to think of the other side of the trade — that they really wanted me and now I’m here.”"
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Those are our top 3 stars from the month of April so far. Who are your top 3 stars of the month? Let us know in the comments.