Anthony Mantha nets first NHL career goal

The Anthony Mantha cheering section at Joe Louis Arena went home a little happier on Thursday night.

Not only did the Red Wings barely hang on to beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 to remain in the playoff hunt, but 15 family members had the chance to watch Mantha net his first NHL goal in the 21 year old’s fifth career game.

The goal late in the second period not only drew a major fist pump from Dad, but it also brought a tear to the eye of Andre Pronovost — Mantha’s grandfather who won four Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.

With just over two minutes remaining in the period, Mantha parked his six-foot-five frame in front of Habs goalie Ben Scrivens. Mantha pounced on a Brad Richards rebound and roofed a shot top corner over Scrivens’ shoulder.

Here’s a look at the goal:

Before the game, Mantha spoke about how excited he was to get the chance to play his first home game in front of his grandfather who was a left-winger with the Habs from 1957-61. Pronovost also played three seasons with the Red Wings from 1962-63 to 1964-65.

“He was my idol growing up, so for me just following in his steps and trying to accomplish as much as he did by winning four Stanley Cups,” Mantha told mlive.com.

Mantha, who was called up by the Wings last week, scored 21 goals and added 24 assists in 56 games played with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.