Corey Perry's career at a tragic end with the Edmonton Oilers

Corey Perry has been scratched now for the last few games against the Canucks, and now in the first game against the Dallas Stars. Unfortunately, Perry has just slowed down too much, and wasn't worth a spot in the lineup in the bottom six.

Perry has always been known for elevating his game in the playoffs and perfectly playing the role of a pest. While he still could serve as a pest, like his hilarious cross check bait against the Canucks, at 39 years old Perry just isn't effective in highly intense and fast playoff matchups. With Perry scratched now for a few games, his NHL career looks to be nearing the end. Unless an injury comes to the Oilers lineup, it's very possible that Corey Perry has played his last game in the NHL - or definitely at least with the Oilers.

It's always sad to see any player slow down to the point where they no longer become a positive impact in the lineup, but it always happens.

Perry will earn a contract bonus of $50,000 from the Edmonton Oilers for advancing to the third round of the playoffs, which proves that the team expected him to excel in this role. Unfortunately Father Time catches up to all, and it may be difficult for Perry to get another contract with a team after this disappointing performance.

If this is the end for Corey ‘The Worm' Perry, he can be proud of an incredible career. He's played 1311 career NHL games, scoring 429 goals and 905 career points, along with a Hart Trophy, Rocket Richard trophy, and a Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. His career took a hit after being bought out under suspicious circumstances with Chicago this season, but he continued his career with the Oilers with the utmost professionalism - and he will be remembered fondly by most hockey fans if his career is now over.