Corey Perry puts on a masterclass in Oilers and Canucks rematch
Edmonton Oilers veteran forward Corey Perry put on a masterclass of the pest role in hockey during tonight's rematch with the Vancouver Canucks.
The Oilers and Canucks game was expected to have some tensions after their last heated matchup, even being warned by the NHL. Still, Perry perfectly walked the line.
Corey Perry antagonizes Vancouver Canucks with clean pest play
Responding to the heated events of last game, Corey Perry seemed intent on coming into tonight's game on a mission to tick off every Canucks player. Even before the game, he was smiling like he knew what was coming.
Perry's antics began when the Canucks forward Connor Garland gave an extra poke to Calvin Pickard in the Oilers crease to begin a brawl. Perry found out captain Quinn Hughes, and tackled him to the ice.
Some Canucks fans brought up Perry's comments earlier this week saying the NHL needs to protect its stars- but Perry didn't do anything over the top here, and didn't drive contact into the boards. It's just a tackle in a scrum.
That immediately drew a response and put a target on Perry's back for the remainder of the game, at the expense of the Canucks.
Teddy Blueger tried to fight Corey Perry to no avail. Later in the game, Canucks defenceman Mark Friedman just bumped Perry, and the referees gave him a 10 minute misconduct.
Right before an intermission, Perry was seen having words with JT Miller - no doubt chirping the Canucks with some of their very public locker room drama.
The Oilers veteran walked the like perfectly of antagonizing the opposition, getting under their skin and throwing them off their game, but not going too far into territory to cost his own team. It was a true masterclass of pest work from Perry.
Now 39 years old and after 1358 career NHL games, Corey Perry knows a thing or two about walking the line. TSN insider Ryan Rishaug mentioned Leon Draisaitl once praised Perry's natural game-sense.
It wasn't just Perry tonight either though - the rest of the Oilers came together for a dominant 6-2 win over the Canucks, lead once again by Leon Draisaitl.
Corey Perry was once an elite scoring power forward himself, and although he's not in his prime anymore, he's still a skill player that can get under the skin of his opposition. The Oilers are lucky to have such a savvy vet in their bottom six.
