Corey Perry's Renaissance Is Just What The Oilers Needed

Only three players in the NHL are older than Corey Perry.

At 39 years old, the 20-year NHL veteran has won just about everything there is to win in the sport of hockey: A Stanley Cup, gold medals at the Olympics (twice), World Cup, World Championship, and World Juniors, a Memorial Cup, a Hart Trophy, a Rocket Richard Trophy, and more.

But in all his years of hockey, he's probably never been as wide open as he was when he scored the game-winning goal in the Edmonton Oilers' 4-2 win over Seattle on Monday night.

That was Perry's 9th goal and 17th point of the season, a season in which he's played in all but one of the Oilers' 50 games and cemented himself as a key contributor and fan favourite on one of the best teams in the league.

Whether he's scoring goals or getting under the opponents' skin, Perry makes the most of his limited ice time in each and every game.

"His game has always been centered around being really smart," head coach Kris Knoblauch said after Monday's win. "And his skills, his hands around the net are still there, (...) in the offensive zone he's very dangerous."

Trending Oilers Articles

Could The Oilers Sign Mikko Rantanen?

Oilers' Superstars Own The Seattle Kraken

Important Defender's Bounce-Back Year Changes Oilers' Plans

Underrated Oilers Pickup Pays Off In A Big Way

Related: Oilers' Penalty Kill Dominates In Connor McDavid's Return

His teammates see that, too.

"He plays the same way," said Mattias Janmark, who also played with Perry in Dallas. "He's really found a way the last few years on really good teams to have an impact, and you give him a scoring chance like he got today and he's still the same player that he was. It's impressive."

Perry's work ethic and playstyle have rubbed off on his teammates. Watch Perry's linemates Noah Philp and Kasperi Kapanen on any given night and you'll see them make a hit or a touch pass that wasn't in their repertoire before playing with the veteran winger.

View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article

"When the team is going off the rails and taking shortcuts, he'll call players out," Knoblauch said. "He's a bit of an extension of the coaching staff."

As for Perry himself, he's having just as much fun as ever. 

"I feel great, I feel like I'm seeing the puck well and getting bounces," Perry told reporters after Monday's game. "It helps when you're winning."

"Why, I don't look tired, do I?"

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.