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EDMONTON -- It pays to have an excellent second powerplay unit.
The Edmonton Oilers found that out tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks. After nearly 85 minutes of scoreless hockey, the Oilers have their first goal of the season.
The Oilers entered the dressing room after 20 minutes down 1-0. Fortunately, they were gifted a powerplay in the first few minutes of the second period.
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On that powerplay, the Oilers' second unit delivered the goods. Corey Perry scored, with assists from Jeff Skinner and Mattias Ekholm.
He whacks the puck toward the net and records his 430th career goal.
Last year, he scored 12 goals with the Oilers and Blackhawks. Perry was such a valuable member of the team that they re-signed him in the offseason.
Perry's gamesmanship and presence make him an invaluable contributor to the club. His experience in high-pressure situations has added tremendous value to the team.
Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
The Oilers' second unit did not yield many goals last season. It involved a revolving cast of characters, including Evander Kane, Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, Corey Perry, and Adam Henrique.
Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson have joined Perry as the three forwards on the second unit. Darnell Nurse and Ekholm round out the unit.
Having a second unit score a goal in game two of the regular season bodes well for the team. If both units can be dangerous when out on the ice, the Oilers will be a lethal team that other teams will think twice about taking a penalty against.
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