DETROIT (WXYZ) — Expectations were relatively high for the Detroit Red Wings' top offensive line, and after the first two games, the line has exceeded those expectations.
With Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha on the ice together, people knew they would score goals. After just two games, they have combined for eight goals and eight assists.
Anthony Mantha’s family drove nine hours to Detroit this week. His mom brought pasta sauce.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 5, 2019
Tyler Bertuzzi: “Did she claim it at the border?” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/toT5dJu7OI
The Red Wings top line talked with us about proving people wrong, the hunger to win, and new boss Steve Yzerman.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 3, 2019
Hear from Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha, and Dylan Larkin. pic.twitter.com/iw5ZBW5Hmg
In Nashville to open the season on Saturday night, Bertuzzi scored the first goal with an assist from Mantha and Larkin, Mantha scored the second goal with an assist to Bertuzzi, Larkin scored the first goal with Mantha & Bertuzzi adding another assist and Bertuzzi scored the final goal. That gave Bertuzzi four points, Mantha three and Larkin two. Detroit won 5-3.
Then, during the Red Wings home opener the next day, the line picked up right where they left off, with Mantha going off. He scored all four points in the Wings' 4-3 win over Dallas, with Larkin assisting on two goals and Bertuzzi assisting on another.
HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT, ANTHONY MANTHA!
— Maxwell White (@MaxWhiteWXYZ) October 7, 2019
4 goals and LCA is going crazy!! pic.twitter.com/NjUZyOe86c
Mantha is leading the way with seven points (5G, 2A), followed by Bertuzzi with five points (2G, 3A) and Larkin with four points (1G, 3A). Mantha is tied at the top of the NHL with five goals and second in the NHL in points. Bertuzzi is tied for third in points.
The Red Wings take on the Anaheim Ducks at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday night.
