Mangiapane has been a great surprise this year. He's got a decent shot & finish, ok speed, and decent offensive game.
What has made it a breakout year, at least in my eyes, is his realization of how to fight for the puck and actually win puck battles, in spite of his smaller size. He's added a level of tenacity that has really helped create turnovers and possession in the offensive zone.
I will say, that second line becoming a good line again, can be almost 80% attributed to Backlund suddenly waking up. We haven't seen this level of hustle, confidence, and just sheer try, at both ends of the ice from #11 in some time, but when he plays like that, he's an amazing #2 C to have. Hope he can keep it up.
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