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Anthony Mantha leans over the bench during a stoppage of play Tuesday.

(Taylor Ballek | MLive.com)

GRAND RAPIDS - The Grand Rapids Griffins got a bonus in their opening-round sweep of the Milwaukee Admirals with the much-needed return to form of top prospect Anthony Mantha.

Mantha scored three times, including two in Tuesday's series clincher against Milwaukee Admirals, to regain the confidence and momentum he temporarily lost after he was sent down by the Detroit Red Wings on April 10.

"It was nice to see him break out," coach Todd Nelson said.

Mantha didn't score in the final five games of the regular season, nor in the playoff opener. That changed in the second and third games. He scored the team's first goal in a 2-1 win in Game 2 and then scored twice in the second period and added an assist in Tuesday's 4-1 cincher against the Admirals, the division's top seed.

"This is just an investment into his future," Nelson added. "He's going to have a nice career ahead of him in the National Hockey League but right now he's focused on winning a championship here."

The three goals, which tied Tyler Bertuzzi for the team lead, already exceeded Mantha's postseason output from a year ago when he had two goals and four points in 16 games.

"It came with experience, and from learning up there (in Detroit)," said Mantha, who had 21 goals and 45 points for the Griffins and two goals and three points in 10 games with the Red Wings. "For me (the goal is) to be a big part of the playoff run this year and that's what I'm trying to do."

Along with Mantha, the Griffins got a boost from the rest of his line. Eric Tangradi (three assists) and Andy Miele (no points but a team best plus-four rating) also contributed as the trio regained the chemistry that made them the top line most of the season.

"All of the boys stepped up," Mantha said. "It was just good bounces coming my way and Tango feeding me great passes and Miele playing good and so just an all-around contribution."

CENTRAL DIVISION FINALS

C2 Lake Erie Monsters vs. C4 Grand Rapids Griffins

Game 1: May 5, at Lake Erie, 7 p.m.

Game 2: May 7, at Lake Erie, noon

Game 3: May 8, at Grand Rapids, 4 p.m.

Game 4: May 10, at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

*Game 5: May 14, at Lake Erie, 7 p.m.

*Game 6: May16, at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

*Game 7 May 17, at Lake Erie, 7 p.m.

*if necessary... All times Eastern



After two days off, the Griffins return to practice Friday before the series against Lake Erie starts next Thursday in Cleveland.

The Griffins went 7-4-0-1 against the Monsters in the regular season. Mantha played in 10 of those with four goals and seven points.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.