2011-2012 Washington Capitals Player Profile: Mathieu Perreault
Who has been the most pleasant surprise so far this year for the Capitals? I’d have to go with Matthieu Perreault. I’ve been a huge fan of his ever since I saw him play in Hershey.
Perreault was drafted by the Capitals in 2006. He finished his junior hockey career and joined the Hershey Bears in 2008. He was a member of the 2008-2009 Calder Cup champion Bears. He was shifted between Hershey and Washington in the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, spending significant time with both clubs. He impressed Boudreau during training camp this year, and he made the opening game roster. I think he’s here to stay this time.
Perreault has never been the most talented guy on the ice. He’s not the fastest or the quickest. His slap shot and wrist shots are both nothing to write home about. His 5’10” 185 pound frame mixed with his almost shoulder-length hair makes him look more like a rock star than a hockey player. So what does Perreault do well? Perreault is a testament to the old-school hockey players. He hustles every second he’s on the ice, playing like he has something to prove. He fights for every puck against the wall and every rebound. He never backs down, no matter who he’s up against. To put it simply, he’s a grinder. He’s also got a very good hockey IQ- he’s aware of what’s going on and he knows where he has to be.
Is Perreault ever going to be a star? Probably not. But you definitely need scrappy guys like Perreault. Ideally, I see Perreault as a third line guy, or possibly a second line center if he can be more consistent in the attack zone.
For Perreault’s career stats, click here.
Here’s a video of him being that scrappy guy. Anticipates the rebound, and simply taps it in.
