Anthony Mantha’s career year continues with one of the Penguins most dominant individual performances of the season

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 30, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images In terms of the standings and the shift in their odds of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins 8-3 win over the New York Islanders on Monday night is one of their biggest wins of the 2025-26 season. It might be the biggest win.

It was also one of the most impressive as they went on the road, against a team they are fighting with for a playoff spot and playoff positioning, in a place they have historically struggled, and completely dominated the game. They chased the Vezina Trophy front-runner, they had a 23-6 edge in high-danger scoring chances during 5-on-5 play, and they overcame multiple two-goal deficits (2-0, 3-1) to win in a laugher. There were a lot of important contributors in that game.

Rickard Rakell continued his recent surge with a two-goal game. Ryan Shea, Elmer Soderblom and Avery Hayes provided some unexpected scoring depth. Sidney Crosby returned with two points while Bryan Rust scored another goal.

Then there was Anthony Mantha. On a night where a lot of Penguins players shined, Mantha seemed to stand out more than anybody and played what might have been not only his best game of the season, but one of the most dominant individual games any Penguins forward has had this season. The numbers on the night are incredible.