The Athletic’s Max Bultman posted a mailbag feature this morning, and he discusses Anthony Mantha’s situation as it applies to his motivation to avoid “Big Man Syndrome”:
I don’t like to speculate too much on what’s behind a player’s slump. But I will share with you a few relevant things Mantha said Monday, when he met with reporters via Zoom.
On what went through his mind sitting on the bench in the third period Sunday: “A little bit of everything. Obviously I could sit back and be disappointed in myself. Today’s a new day, I had to get better on the ice, and then tomorrow’s a new game. I’ll (do) everything possible in my power not to be sat again this year or in the future. I just need to get my game going and doing what I do best.”
On why this issue pops up sometimes for him: “If I had the answer I would put it in the back of my bag and always be 100 percent and be the best player I could be. But I don’t have an answer for you.”
On how he can get back into a rhythm: “If I could get a couple shots a night, just some grade-A chances, I know I’m going to build some confidence. If I get two to three shots on the power play and then two to three shots 5-on-5, then it just moves forward from there.”
Continued (paywall)
