The Mathieu Perreault Effect
by David M. Getz on Nov 25, 2009 1:07 PM EST
61 comments
In the ten games he's played with the Washington Capitals, Mathieu Perreault's made quite an impression. He notched two assists in his first NHL game, and added his first tally two games later. His scoring pace may have dropped off but his presence is being felt on almost every shift he takes, and he creates chances and his energy forces opponents to work hard, in turn contributing even when he isn't getting on the scoresheet.
There are a lot of ways to be a productive hockey player. Naturally some are flashier than others. A goal is a heck of a lot more likely to make it on a highlight reel than the battle in the corner that allowed the goal to happen; you're more likely to see a big hit than a pokecheck, even if the latter was more effective. Television programs, written recaps, and personal memory all tend to towards the creation of a narrative, and creation of a narrative usually means keying in of brief moments. There's nothing wrong with that, but it does mean subtler contributions can get lost in the shuffle.
The result is the chronic underrating of what is arguably hockey's most valuable skill: the ability to make the players around you better. A guy can get attention for a great pass, but for most players in that category the pass is just one example of the dozens of decisions they make every game, shift in and shift out. For a player like that, the effect doesn't just show up in his numbers, it shows up in his teammates' numbers as well. In his brief time in Washington, Mathieu Perreault has been that type of player.
With that in mind, we thought we'd take a look at how Perreault's most frequent linemates have fared since his arrival:
Of course, not all of the improved performance can be attributed to Perreault - he's assisted on two of the five goals his most frequent linemates have scored and been on the ice for four of them, so it's not as if they're wholly dependent on him to create chances for him. Still, the fact that Chris Clark, Eric Fehr, and (the better winger version of) Tyler Sloan have looked like legitimate offensive threats to the eye - and are scoring more often, taking more shots, and increasing their collective plus-minus - make it fair to conclude that Perreault's helping the older, more experienced players contribute more to the Caps.
What does that mean long term? Not a whole lot - yet. Getting off to a hot start is one thing; finding a way to have consistent success in the NHL is another. But at the very least it looks like the Capitals may have found a player with an decent amount of hockey's rarest attribute in the sixth round - and that's something no one can complain about.
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Nice job as usual, DMG! There is a lot to enjoy about MP’s game but what I love the most so far is his ability to consistently win puck battles along the boards.
So, can someone smarter than I explain why MP hasn’t skated on Ovechkin’s line yet? I’m sure it has more to do with keeping 8 and 19 together, but I think seeing 85 and 8 together would be terrific.
by cuqui on Nov 25, 2009 1:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If MP’s presence on the 3rd line makes his partners better, I’d prefer to have him there. He in fact makes his line a legit offensive threat — Ovi’s will always be — and this is what’d been missing before MP came. But just for fun, it’d be really interesting to see 85+8 together for a couple of games.
by fnralch on Nov 25, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And if Backstrom/BMo head to third line duty, does that not make the line an offensive threat?
by red army line on Nov 25, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It does…and if Ovi goes to the third line…and if Semin goes to the third line…
by fnralch on Nov 25, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
won’t see them there on 3rd line since we’d need a center (AO and Semin are primarily wingers)
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 25, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
…and, voila, it’s the 1st line again!
by mechanicsville on Nov 25, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Being good in closely managed minutes is one thing. Being able to skate on AO’s line a full game is another. As a C you need to have a ton of stamina, the ability to battle the best opposing D pair, and real strong defensive play. I don’t know that MP is there yet. But he should absolutely get some PP time.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 25, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the ability to battle the best opposing D pair
This is key, its one thing to be skating against the 5/6 pair, and quite another to be skating against the 1/2 pair and the shutdown forwards. I agree completely that he should be seeing some PP time, if only this teams skill forwards could win a FO.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
by Sct112 on Nov 25, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good piece. Not to change the subject – but for those who haven’t seen it Brooks Laich is the “Tough Guy” story this week on NHL.com …mostly stuff we’ve heard as fanatics – but good to see credit where it’s due
by aaw6848 on Nov 25, 2009 1:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They’re going to yell at you to take it to Caps Clips, where I think it’s already been posted.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Nov 25, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No yelling. Just gentle reminding.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 25, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Loose usage of the term.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Nov 25, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i read the caps clips this morning is swear i didnt see it
by aaw6848 on Nov 25, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, it’s not that – it’s that Caps Clips are open threads, whereas bringing it up here diverts the conversation away from the topic of a substantive post. Just a general guideline.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 25, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To be feh- I mean fair, Fehr didn’t get much time prior to MP’s arrival, no clue what he would have done without MP.
I’d love to see MP with Ovie. I think it would be ‘sick’
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 25, 2009 1:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He’s been great in the corners. He’s so quick with his stickwork.
The key advantage is that he’s able to get the puck to his linemates in a way that allows them an extra moment of time with the puck. That creates better shots and ideally, more goals.
Would be fun to see him get some time with some skill guys.
by Stormblue on Nov 25, 2009 1:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to see him get some PP time. When our PP struggles, and he’s on the bench – it hurts my heart. If it’s the 3rd period and our PP has gone 0 for (fill in blank) – why not put him in?
by OverTheBoards on Nov 25, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Alternately, if you’re using Nicky, Laich, and Mo on one PP unit, why not have him center the second?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Nov 25, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Corners
Being great in the corners seems to be Hershey specialty from the games I’ve been to.
by MisterBungle on Nov 25, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And here I thought it was just a “little guy with a big heart” specialty.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 25, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that’s part of it. Not all of Hershey is that good at it, but it seems to be something they definitely work on there.
by MisterBungle on Nov 25, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The +/- doesn’t seem to add up, but maybe I’m missing something.
Perreault has definitely been able to create space and opportunities for his linemates, and has a patience that allows them to catch up. It’s definitely great to see that kind of work from not the top line.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 25, 2009 1:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That patience is key. I’d love to see him leading the rush with AO trailing. Covering the trailing guy is much harder than covering the puck carrier and IMO AO is more deadly when he’s not the puck carrier.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 25, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One thing that bothers me when AO rushes it is he’s always so far ahead of the play that it’s 1-on-3 and his linemates don’t have time to catch up and help out.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 25, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
all the better to have him trailing……
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 25, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Its because AO starts his rush before the Caps even get the puck – if it appears there might be a turnover by the opposing team, he takes off.
I wish they’d break down the video and figure this out. This play rarely seems to translate into a goal anymore, and it leaves the caps down a man in the defensive zone if the turnover doesn’t occur.
by Stormblue on Nov 25, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i’ve noticed this trend from AO too - gotta love the aggressiveness…..but it does come with a price
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 25, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He has amazing speed.
You’ll see him send a breakout pass from in front of Varly, then he’ll be at the opposing blueline even with his wingers, then he’s the first guy to the net on the same play. Same can be said for backchecking. He’s behind the opposing net, then somehow he’s the first forward back to help the D. Crazy.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Nov 25, 2009 1:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Locker made a comment a while back that MP likes to cycle frequently and does so quite well. Ever since that comment, I’ve been looking for the cycle specifically when he’s on the ice. I don’t have an expert’s eye for this kind of thing, but I would say I agree.
His work along the boards is opening up opportunities for his linemates by drawing defenders out of position. I think this could account for the “boost” without necessarily being reflected in stats like assists. It’s something I will continue to look for in MP’s game.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 25, 2009 1:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think what I like about Perreault most is that he’s always involved in the action.. he’s going where the action is, not letting it come to him, which I believe is something many of our forwards struggle with.
His arrival has been turbo refreshing.
by TFG on Nov 25, 2009 1:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
MP’s success has been the story of the year, so far, for me. I can’t help but get excited seeing him and Flash together as I think they have great chemistry. I hope Gabby does not juggle the lines too much and allows them to get more comfortable with each other.
I might got flogged for saying this, but I think MP has been a better player the past few weeks than Backstrom. Granted, Nick faces tougher competition, so my view might be skewed. Nonetheless, I’m impressed.
Next jersey will be MP or Laich…
by ns on Nov 25, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
this - I’d like to see MP and Flash together….. think it might cure Flash’s complacency of late….
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 25, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can he make Nylander leave town? Now that would be an amazing show of talent!
by NHL Observer on Nov 25, 2009 1:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I heard he’s waiting for everyone at Japers’ Rink to get an avatar first.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Nov 25, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
In that case, he’s never going to leave with FSSEnough around.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 25, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Someone keeps racking up gold stars…
"Good luck and God speed, Ben. See you on the other side of the pitch."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 25, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Be careful BP, Tony Montana racked up gold stars for a while too…
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 25, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If there is a knock on his game, it’s his size. I cringe watching him fight behind the net with those big mofos. That is something he can’t do much about except drink more protein shakes, gain a little mass.
He reminds me of Darren Helm of the Red Wings; they are about the same size and up until the last year or so, the same weight. It looks like Helm has gained 15-20 pounds as he is pushing 195.
But with those great hands, anticipation, and playmaking, Matty’s a keeper. You can’t teach waht he has.
by S h a g g y on Nov 25, 2009 2:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Helm has more explosive speed and is stronger but MP is much more skilled with the puck.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 25, 2009 3:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Totally Disagree
The worst thing that could happen to a guy like Perrault would be if he tried to “bulk up.” Getting stronger is fine, but you can do it without necessarily gaining mass. Perrault’s “strength” is his speed and quickness, and mass is the enemy of speed and quickness. (Bates Battaglia, anyone?)
From what I’ve seen Perrault does just fine in the corners and behind the net. He uses his skating ability and quick hands to pluck the puck away before the D gets onto him, then he’s strong enough on his skates to stay on his feet after they engage him. I think that’s what impressed me the most when I watched him down in Hershey (I was gonna write that in Part II of “Scouting the Bears,” but life intervened.)
If Matty wants to take up a workout regime, I would suggest he meet up with Martin St. Louis in the offseason, or perhaps Gary Roberts. Both of those guys really seem to understand the value of building “functional strength” as opposed to simply bulking up.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 25, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what happens when #15 finally gets healthy.
by mechanicsville on Nov 25, 2009 2:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We’ll throw him off of cross that bridge when we come to it.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Nov 25, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I don’t know. Maybe some sort of platoon b/t 85,15, and 39. I’m going to call that a pleasant dilemma.
by mechanicsville on Nov 25, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not gonna lie, when I saw Perrault at Development Camp in ‘07, I never thought he would make this impact. He stood out, but I didn’t see enough to think of him as an impact player on this team. Well, I’m happy for him and the the Caps that he is doing this. It’s always great t see the little guy make a big splash.
(P.S. – to anyone who was at the scrimmage at the end of that camp, was it him who did the spin-o-rama in the shoot-out?)
by hockeyman33 on Nov 25, 2009 3:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure that was Bouchard.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 25, 2009 4:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Bouchard was Perreault’s roommate in Hershey.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 25, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 25, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Matt P. had really impressed me in training camp and early pre-season games this year.
This is the year of the “little French guys who could” on the Caps. First, there was Bourque who we couldn’t keep due to cap space issues. Then, there was Aucoin who we sent back to Hershey before 10 games had elapsed. (Aucoin had done pretty well for us during his time here.) And now Perreault.
(Well, Boudreau is also a little French guy.)
by CapsFan75 on Nov 25, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Only by name, I guess, given that Bourque and Aucoin are both American, and Boudreau certainly isn’t a Qubecois, or however that’s spelled.
MP’s the only Frenchie.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 25, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bouchard est du Sherbrooke, Québec
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 25, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Of those he mentioned in his post, i mean.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 25, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Certainement.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 25, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly by name and by ancestry. Bourque’s father is French-Canadian — full name is Raymond Jean Bourque. (The full name is a dead giveaway of his heritage.) I would guess his dad spoke French growing up.
As for Aucoin, he’s from Massachusettes and have no idea of his family background. But it seems that Massachusettes seems to be home of many people of French ancestry. Like Brian Pothier.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 26, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boudreau is – and isn’t – a little French guy. His dad was adopted by a French Canadian couple when he was very young. BB says there is no information about his paternal grandparents – they died in a car accident and nobody even knows their names. Bruce’s dad married an Anglophone and raised him in Toronto. He speaks no French, and says in his book he’s not clear why, exactly.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 25, 2009 4:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, Sean Avery disagrees with you calling Boudreau a little anything.
by Stormblue on Nov 25, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boudreau’s mother is of French descent — her maiden name was Roy.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 26, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well done so far, but let’s wait and see how playing a full NHL schedule pans out… Only hoping for the best at this point.
by kcfatts on Nov 26, 2009 11:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
70 | 47 | 14 | 9 | 103 |
|
Atlanta
|
69 | 29 | 29 | 11 | 69 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
69 | 28 | 29 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
68 | 28 | 30 | 10 | 66 |
|
Carolina
|
69 | 28 | 33 | 8 | 64 |
(updated 3.18.2010 at 9:02 AM EDT)
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