What Edmonton Oilers supporters have known for a very long time was validated by Corey Perry,
There aren’t many truly unintentional incidences among those that appear to be surrounding the opposition net. He poses a strategic threat to the public.
Though he did reveal his thoughts, he is still unwilling to acknowledge that the tying goal in the final minutes of that 2017 playoff game against Anaheim—the one in which the NHL decided it was acceptable for Ryan Kesler to grab Cam Talbot’s pad and hold the five-hole open—never should have counted.
It was inevitable that his first shift as an Oiler would end with him being surrounded by three Nashville players and the net coming loose in the subsequent melee.
He chuckled afterwards and said, “I had to make a statement somehow.” Nothing is better than wreaking havoc near the opposition crease. As the year progresses
Really, it should come as no surprise that the seasoned adversary took just thirty seconds to remind everyone of the reasons he is despised in all NHL cities save the one he plays in.
Rogers Place leaned back and grinned, “Classic Corey Perry,” as the linesmen replaced the net and the Predators adjusted their helmets and swore at the newest Oiler. It’s going to be enjoyable.
“That’s nothing new here in Edmonton,” commented Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who has engaged in numerous on-ice altercations with the professional goons. He will play that style of hard-nosed hockey where he gets to the net and keeps the pucks alive.
“I felt that he did a great job taking a break. He appeared dangerous to me.
This could be a great fit if Perry, who is 38 years old and has 1,470 regular season and playoff games under his belt, can still be the kind of bottom-six impact player the Oilers need him to be. Perry should be able to muck it up, stir things up, provide valuable playoff experience, and slip in a few clutch goals during that goalmouth havoc.
Perry’s impact on the Oilers is well-known, so it should come as no surprise that, despite their nearly two-decade hatred, they gave him a standing ovation before his first game ever began.
It was pleasant, he remarked. “I caught it during the playing of the flag. That’s how it’s been the entire week. You’ve been very welcomed. It thrills me to be here. It’s not simple.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed his happiness with that line. “They move the puck up ice fairly effectively, and Corey is excellent on the face of the net. He simply has that touch, making beautiful saves on difficult attempts that the goaltender had to parry.
“Clouder and Dylan now have the responsibility to approach the net and anticipate pucks being thrown their way. Corey has the ability to make those plays that other players wouldn’t be able to.
