Rouyn's Jean-Sébastien Dea has company atop the QMJHL scoring board this morning following a sizzling four-goal, one-assist performance from Val-d'Or winger Anthony Mantha.
The Longueuil, Quebec native fired a goal in each period and again in overtime to lead the Foreurs to a 5-4 win at home over Rimouski.
With a contingent of NHL scouts in attendance, Mantha extended his consecutive goal-scoring streak to five games during which he has lit the lamp 11 times (5-11-4-15). He also has a nine-game points streak in tow (9-14-8-22).
That's about as hot as it gets - and he might have hit six or seven in this contest - narrowly missing a few times among his season-high nine shots.
Mantha has registered five or more shots in seven of the past nine games - and at least two in each of his 14 games.
It's a blazing start that has launched him into first-round territory for the 2013 NHL Draft - though his early birthdate (9-16-94) - missed the 2012 draft by one day - must be factored into the equation.
Anthony Mantha (LW, 2013), Val-d'Or - talented shooter brings an impressive package of size, speed and skill .. tall, smooth, balanced skater with very good top speed .. and gets there rapidly thanks to a deceptive acceleration burst - masked a bit due to efficient mechanics .. solid crossover form - body retains shape in turns, cuts, pivots .. able to get outside defenders propelled by a swift change of pace .. bit of a 'lurk in the weeds' type - prowling on the edges - with a knack of popping up in a prime shooting area .. boasts a deceptively fast release on his wristshots and snappers, accentuated by a large wingspan .. retains his strength and skill at full stretch .. packs a terrific release - gets real wang on his wrister - all arms, wrists and technique .. real fluid mechanics .. setup footwork for his shot is subtle - uses quick, short strides to get body prepared quicker .. adept firing off his inside foot a la Mark Messier .. disguises intentions well - doesn't telegraph if he's readying for a shot or a deke .. quite adept at selling the shot and then making a no-look pass .. shows imagination as a playmaker which adds to his unpredictability .. poised and creative in-tight 1-on-1 on a goalie .. tends to operate at his own pace .. will need continued work on tempo, learning to assess options and make decisions quicker .. will also require a more complete game at the next level - doesn't bring much energy or resolve in the defensive zone yet .. goes flat in defending sequences - relying on getting long stick and reach in lanes .. floats high in the zone, observing the cycle action - and can leak out prematurely .. does exhibit spots of physical play - frame is large and sturdy - and can create initial operating space when he applies himself - will engage contact on shoulder-to-shoulder bouts to win possession .. demonstrates good strength and power potential .. can be more tenacious, compete harder, get nastier at times .. doesn't use his size away from the puck consistently - just sporadically .. also tends to lose steam once plays fizzle - won't sustain compete level after being dispossessed.