Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Who is the new center on the Anaheim Ducks and does he make the difference we need to capture the Stanley Cup? To answer this we must first know where this talent came from.
On Sep. 29, 2013 the Ducks traded John Mitchell and 4th round pick for center Mathieu Perreault from the Washington Capitals. Anaheim fans didn’t know what they were getting as last season was shortened and we did not face the Capitals.
As the season began and we watched Perreault play, Ducks fans didn’t see that they were getting something special. Then suddenly the points started to rack up. In Perreault’s first three months with the Ducks, he racked up seven goals and 12 assists. People slowly began to notice this center as he became an integral part of the team.
As we head into the playoffs, however, some fans may wonder whether Perreault will be the difference we need for the Stanley Cup? Other than the ability to grow a superb mustache during and after Movember, Mathieu has the ability to be the difference maker.
If you look at his recent stats, you’ll notice he’s shifted from not just being a player that dishes out assists, but also a goal scorer as well. In his last 12 games, he has eight goals and three assists. This is almost the invert to the start of his season with the Ducks.
His strategy lately has been simple: get to the front of the net and pick up the trash.
In an age where puck handling and expertly lifted goals are topping the sports pages, this strategy may be simple, but it is effective. He is what the Ducks need right now, someone to keep the game simple.
Hockey is not an over complicated sport and often times the simplest strategies are the best for scoring goals. As a team that sometimes likes to over-complicate things, the Ducks need a backbone to simplify the game and just go to the net. Perreault has been that talent the team needed for some time, but is now barely being noticed.
It is time the Ducks have a key player in the center lane. Perreault can aid Anaheim in the playoffs with his unique, yet elementary method of picking up loose pucks.
As the team puts the puck on goal, there are rebounds. Coach Bruce Boudreau always talks about just shooting the puck. Even if the puck doesn’t go in you can get rebounds where players like Mathieu Perreault, waiting for the puck, can put the puck in the net.
The simplest strategy is often the best and heading into the playoffs, the Ducks will need the best strategies to win the Stanley Cup.
Follow Pucks of a Feather on Twitter.
Like Pucks of a Feather on Facebook.