1300+ game veteran may find himself out of Edmonton Oilers playoff lineup
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers forward group is about to get much deeper over the next two weeks with players returning from injury, which could force veteran forward Corey Perry out of the lineup come playoffs.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are both out with injury at the moment, but the Oilers will also be adding Trent Frederic and then Evander Kane in the playoffs too. Unfortunately, one player will have to come out, and it may be Perry.
Corey Perry may find himself out of playoff lineup despite incredible season
It would be an incredibly tough decision to scratch an experienced playoff veteran after having such a quality season, but judging by each forward's role on the team, Perry may be the unfortunate cut.
If Jeff Skinner can continue his quality play of late the Oilers will want his offence in the lineup at even strength. In the bottom six, they'll have younger and faster players, as well as penalty kill specialists Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark.
Oilers will need to find ways to rotate veteran forwards in lineup for the playoffs
Perry has excelled playing fourth line minutes this season with spot promotions to the top six.
Even at 39 years old, he still clearly has the offensive ability to pot in some goals in some net-front battles or while playing alongside skill players.
For his experience, his quality season, and the pest presence he brings to the lineup, it would be incredibly hard to scratch Perry.
Coach Knoblauch may have to find ways to insert him in the lineup and rotate in some players who don't meet the moment in the playoffs. In 68 games this season, Perry has scored an impressive 15 goals and 23 points. In reality, he may even deserve to play over Janmark or Brown.
When the Oilers are fully healthy, they'll have an incredibly difficult decision to make to trim their lineup. Make no mistake though, every depth player will be used and tested in another long run to the Cup Final.
| POLL | ||
MARS 23 | 507 ANSWERS 1300+ game veteran may find himself out of Edmonton Oilers playoff lineup Do you think Perry will be scratched in the Oilers playoff lineup? | ||
| Yes | 106 | 20.9 % |
| No | 401 | 79.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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