Mangiapane can hit career milestone in return from suspension

Following his one-game suspension for an ugly looking cross-check up high on the Seattle’s Jared McCann, the Calgary Flames’ leading goal-scorer through his 11 contests this season (12 for the club) has the opportunity to achieve a career milestone versus his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. Andrew Mangiapane will enter Friday night’s matchup with 99 career goals.

On his recent suspension, Mangiapane acknowledged his stick was too high and that the play, which looked worse than the outcome, was accidental on his part. According to Mangiapane, he was trying to push the Kraken’s forward off the puck in order to get it loose. The Flames’ 88 also referenced the fact he apologized to his opponent and that he respected the league’s decision to suspend him for a game. See Mangiapane’s post-practice availability from yesterday here.

Check out this explanation of Andrew Mangiapane’s suspension and see the cross-check in this video from Scouting the Refs:

Back in the lineup and expected to skate on the Flames’ top line alongside Elias Lindholm and recently-benched Jonathan Huberdeau, Mangiapane will hit a career milestone with his next goal marking 100 for the underdog from Bolton, Ontario.

Drafted in the sixth round at 166th overall back in 2015, Mangiapane was a player who many expected never to make it in the NHL. He broke into the Flames lineup in tandem with his Barrie Colts and Stockton Heat teammate, Rasmus Andersson, and hasn’t looked back. Now, he’s got a 35-goal campaign in his back pocket and will be key in the Flames’ offensive output this season if they are able to turn things around in the Pacific Division and Western Conference competitions for eight total available playoff spots.

Mangiapane is a dog around the net. The tenacious winger stays on pucks and has an elite ability to take out the trash.

Here are a couple of highlight reels from the past couple seasons:

Look for Andrew Mangiapane to join the century goal club as early as Friday.