Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets 2-11-17

Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha says he'll be further motivated by the benching.

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT - When Anthony Mantha was criticized by some following a shaky start to his pro career in 2014-15, it fueled his desire to improve.

Similarly, Mantha is taking a chip-on-his-shoulder approach to being a healthy scratch the past two games for the Detroit Red Wings.

"You need to come back strong and prove it was a mistake that you were sitting out and just come back stronger and show them you're not going to want to sit out again," Mantha told Detroitredwings.com on Sunday.

The Red Wings did not practice Monday. Coach Blashill, following Sunday's 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers, declined to reveal whether Mantha will return to the lineup Wednesday at Colorado (9:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit Plus). But, chances are, he will play.

Blashill cited a lack of competitiveness, particularly on the back-check and in the defensive zone, during a 6-1 loss to Boston last Wednesday as the reason for scratching Mantha.

"I think he got the message after one game to be dead honest with you," Blashill said. "I think he's a great kid who wants to be better. Like everybody in life, there's a learning process to everything. I think he has the message for sure and I think he'll continue to work to become a better player and he's going to have ups and downs and bumps in the road and everything that young players do."

Mantha is tied for third on the team in goals (14) and points (33), in just 50 games.

"He's got a great ceiling," Blashill said. "My job is to make sure he reaches that ceiling. As him and I talked (Sunday), when you come out of the lineup, you leave the door open to not go back in, and our team played very good against Chicago (4-2 win Friday) and there was no way I was taking anybody out because of that."

Andreas Athanasiou is another young player has Blashill scratched (Jan. 4) while being critical of his compete level.

"It's never easy to sit out," Athanasiou said. "When I was there, I just tried to not let it get to me and just be ready when I got back in the lineup and do the best I can."

Smith's triumphant return

Brendan Smith had no points, two shots on goal and a delay of game penalty while logging 22 minutes Sunday for the Rangers in his return to Detroit.

The Red Wings dealt the defenseman on Feb. 28 for a second-round pick in 2018 and third-round selection this year.

"It was really different, just being on the opposite side," Smith said. "It was exciting to play back at the Joe again. I love playing here. It was just a little different playing against your buddies, but once the puck drops it becomes all business."

Smith, wearing No. 42, greeted teammates on the ice during pregame warmup.

"A couple of times some of the boys were chirping back and forth," Smith said. "It's all in good fun but once the puck dropped, it's business time."

Smith has no points and a plus-3 rating in six games for the Rangers.

"It's really exciting to be on a team that has been this good and are continuing to get better," Smith said. "It's an exciting moment for myself to be a part of it and contribute."

Evaluating Russo

Defenseman Robbie Russo has appeared in four games (no points, minus-2, averaging 15:27) since being recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

"I think Russo has played good," Blashill said. "He manages his game pretty well. I think he's got poise with the puck, so he does a good job of that."