Andrew Mangiapane has, for a lack of a better phrase, been lighting things up for the Calgary Flames this season.
Heading into Thursday night’s game between the Flames and Montreal Canadiens, Mangiapane was leading Calgary in goals with eight on the season in 12 games played. Add another to the list for Mangiapane with this sensational tally to help the Flames break their first period tie against the Canadiens.
With less than four minutes remaining in the first, the Canadiens left Mangiapane undefended on a rush down the ice. While Sean Monahan’s cross-ice pass to the open Mangiapane was a bit off the mark, the forward was able to shift the puck from his skate to his stick then — from his knees! — stickhandle a backhand past Jake Allen in net.
And just like that, the Canadiens were down a goal again.
We love a good ol' backhand beauty. 😋#NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/CTeeQdJqFD
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 12, 2021
Mangiapane showcased incredible speed and skill on this play, from being able to outpace the Canadiens’ defense to being able to corral the puck and put it behind Allen for the lead.
It’s still early in the 2021-22 NHL season, but keep your eyes on Mangiapane as a player set to have a real monster of a season.
