Perreault has two goals in two games since recall
His time with the Capitals again is limited. Mathieu Perreault knew that the first time he was recalled from Hershey of the American Hockey League this season, and he knows it now.
But there is something to be said about making an impression. Perreault, a 22-year-old center, is doing so again in his second stint with the Caps this season, scoring twice in the two games since his latest recall. Once veteran center Brendan Morrison (lower-body injury) returns — likely sometime next week, according to Caps coach Bruce Boudreau — Perreault will be back with the Bears as they get set to defend their Calder Cup championship.
“But this is exactly what I wanted to do,” Perreault said after a Wednesday morning practice at Verizon Center. “I know there’s no room on this team when everybody’s healthy. But whenever I get a chance to prove that I can play at this level, I want to do it.”
Perreault had two goals and four assists in his first eight games with the Caps in November. But that early burst of energy dissipated as the grind of an NHL schedule took its toll on a player who is just 5-foot-10, 174 pounds. Fair or not, Perreault has the extra burden of proving his body can withstand play at this level to stick with the Caps out of training camp next fall. He had one assist over the final 10 games of that initial recall and in December was returned to Hershey, where he has 15 goals and 30 assists in 52 games.
Give Perreault credit because he knows how to draw attention. He took full advantage during the NHL’s Olympic break when Boudreau and some members of the Caps’ front office went to Hershey to scout the organization’s top minor league players Feb. 27. Perreault scored four goals that night against Bridgeport, and he and linemates Chris Bourque and Steve Pinizzotto combined for 12 points. After the NHL trade deadline March 3, when the Caps’ roster swelled to 25, Perreault figured “my season up here was over.” But that Feb. 27 game served as a reminder of what he could do in short bursts. When injuries struck, he was granted a second chance.
“[Perreault] brings tons of energy, and he’s hungry right now,” Boudreau said. “It was the same way when we brought him up the first time, and then he tailed off. But at this stage he’s playing very well. He’s a good component for 10 or 11 minutes a game. He’s working real hard to stay, and he’s pushing other people.”
