Devils' depth proving valuable with long-term Mantha injury

The New Jersey Devils got a bit of unfortunate news Wednesday evening when it was revealed that, after further imaging was done on his injury, new-to-the-team forward Anthony Mantha would be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) with a throat injury. His injury was sustained in the Devils' 5-4 overtime thriller against the New York Islanders, where Mantha was high-sticked directly in the throat on the penalty that ultimately gave the Devils the game-tying power-play goal.

Mantha, who had career highs across the board in goals (33), assists (31), and, of course, points (64), had accumulated 10 points in his last 11 games. All ten points were accumulated once he was dropped to the third…