Perunovich Finally Satisfied To See Blues Score Their First NHL Goal

Missouri native Maryland Heights will take center stage this evening as Missouri hosts its own Governor-elect. Scott Perunovich himself admits he doesn’t tend to exude much enthusiasm or emotion when talking about himself and even after scoring his inaugural NHL goal in an 8-1 loss against Washington Capitals on Saturday that tied the first period 1-1 there wasn’t a great deal of enthusiasm or celebration after scoring that landmark momentous milestone in an otherwise dispiriting loss, yet Perunovich found little cause for celebration after scoring that long-overdue goal that tied 1-1 at that momentous moment in time. “It was thrilling. Although my emotions don’t tend to show much, people were giving me grief for not performing hard or whatever. Overall it was an exciting game with good pass/execution and just makes you glad it is over with. Obviously it feels good!” “Finally! After 700 games (counting injured games), Brayden Schenn finally scored! Jordan Kyrou worked the puck towards Matthew Kessel at right point.” The Capitals had two skaters tracking Kyrou, leaving an opening on their left point for Perunovich to enter. Kessel saw his defensive partner Logan Thompson coming over quickly so turned and snapped quick wrister by him quickly: there was some confusion,” Perunovich commented after. “Two players made runs toward Rou, and it worked perfectly – literally the exact way the forwards envisioned it! Congratulations on coming up with such an ingenious plan!” Perunovich, who was selected in the second-round of 2018 NHL Draft and earned Hobey Baker Award, has struggled mightily since returning from injury setbacks in order to keep playing professionally in the league. Over time he lost confidence, eventually landing himself out on injured reserve with no team to call upon for relief duties.” “I have had issues with confidence and am working towards having positive conversations and trusting in myself,” Perunovich stated. Whatever comes will eventually take its course. Since I had trouble playing when feeling uncertain about myself and it didn’t go too well, I decided to make attempts without worrying too much about making mistakes and make plays when possible. Nick Leddy (lower-body injury) and Philip Broberg (right knee) being out for extended periods has opened the door for Sergei Perunovich to enter the lineup for what may be his last opportunity at showing that he belongs. “Obviously it can be emotional when players go down, especially given how talented these individuals are on and off the ice,” Perunovich noted. “However, this situation presents itself as an opportunity. My strategy here is simple – take advantage of every situation.” Perunovich and Kessel managed to be plus-one skaters despite Saturday’s crushing loss; Perunovich played 17:22 and 18:56 during these last two games after averaging just 10:57 for his initial four contests. “I feel much more assured in myself and in moving my feet more,” Perunovich stated, as his confidence rose with each pass he attempted and as his skating increased. Bannister concurred: it was great seeing Scotty score, as I thought his play was impressive during their game.” Unfortunately for him and us as a team we didn’t play well, but I thought Scotty played very well,” Perunovich lamented. He added: “Having said that though, winning would have given Scotty even greater satisfaction at scoring his first goal,” adding: “Wins are more significant than individual goals; winning makes up a winning record and gives us momentum going into next season. While scoring goals would have been nice it’s more important for us all that they were capitalized upon more often”.