Perry was attempting to clear a puck from the defensive zone when Pavelski stepped into him with a clean hit. Perry looked like he lost balance quickly and tried to stay up on his left foot, but the momentum was too much and he nearly flipped down to the ice.
Right after the hit, Perry left the Oilers bench to go to the dressing room. Thankfully, he was able to return to the game midway through the second.
Perry has just got back into the Oilers playoff lineup after being a healthy scratch for the latter half of the Canucks series. Perry looked slow, wasn't creating much offence, and was getting exposed defensively. However, since he's been back in the lineup in the series against the Stars, Perry has looked completely rejuvenated, playing the way that's earned him a reputation for being a legendary playoff performer.
The Oilers will have the forward depth to replace Corey Perry if he misses any time with injury, but he's been an incredible presence in the locker room when he's healthy. If Perry doesn't return to the game in the second period, or is banged up at all after this game, Knoblauch will have the option to insert a fully healthy Warren Foegele into the lineup, or maybe even Sam Gagner.
POLL | ||
Do you think Corey Perry will play game 6 after taking this hit? | ||
Yes, Perry will still play | 130 | 79.8 % |
No, someone else will come in the lineup | 31 | 19 % |
See Results | 2 | 1.2 % |
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