Corey Perry expresses concern over Oilers goalies’ protection, urging improved defense; questions remain about whether his concerns are being addressed.
The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the most dynamic and high-scoring teams in the NHL in recent years, led by the generational talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, their pursuit of a Stanley Cup has been continuously challenged by questions surrounding their defensive play, particularly the protection of their goalies. In the midst of these concerns, Corey Perry, a veteran forward known for his physicality and leadership, has raised alarms about the Oilers’ ability to protect their goalies. Perry’s comments, while rooted in a desire for improvement, raise important questions about whether the team is doing enough to safeguard its most important assets: its netminders.
Perry, who has seen it all in his career—winning Stanley Cups, playing in high-pressure situations, and earning a reputation as a gritty, no-nonsense player—has become an outspoken figure when it comes to ensuring that goaltenders are protected from harm, both physically and in terms of the mental pressure they face during high-stakes games. His concern comes as no surprise, given that the Oilers’ goaltending has been one of the more inconsistent aspects of their team, despite the star power up front. With Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell manning the crease, Perry’s observations take on even more weight, as both goalies have had to deal with their share of challenging moments and physical scrutiny.
Perry’s call for better protection is something that resonates throughout the league, as goalie safety is a growing concern in the modern game. From dangerous collisions in the crease to the rising intensity of playoff hockey, the need for improved defense around goaltenders has never been more apparent. But is Perry’s concern being heard by the Oilers’ management and coaching staff? And what does it mean for the team’s future, especially as they continue their quest for a Stanley Cup?
Corey Perry’s Longstanding Reputation as a Player Who Protects His Teammates
Corey Perry has built a career not only on his scoring ability but also on his leadership and physicality. Over his years in the league, he’s developed a reputation as a player who understands the importance of protecting his teammates. He’s known for his aggressive style of play, which often sees him battling in the corners, standing up for his teammates in scrums, and delivering hits to spark his team. While Perry is known as a tough player, he also possesses a keen awareness of when his team is vulnerable and when a player, particularly a goaltender, needs extra protection.
In fact, throughout his career, Perry has always shown a deep understanding of the nuances of the game. In his time with the Anaheim Ducks, he developed a strong relationship with his goaltenders, including Jonas Hiller and Frederik Andersen, and was often seen standing up for them when opposing players tried to push the physical boundaries around the crease. That mentality has not changed since he joined the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it is evident that his concern for the Oilers’ goaltenders stems from a place of genuine care for his teammates’ well-being.
With the Oilers, the need for goalie protection has only been magnified. Both Skinner and Campbell have faced criticism for inconsistent play, with Skinner’s confidence at times being shaken by poor defensive coverage and Campbell’s struggles with rebounding and puck tracking. As a veteran forward who has been in the trenches for years, Perry’s perspective on this issue carries a great deal of weight. His experiences in the Stanley Cup Finals and other high-pressure situations give him a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the postseason, and protecting the goaltenders is a critical piece of that puzzle.
The Oilers’ Goaltending Situation: A Blessing and a Curse
One of the most pressing issues for the Edmonton Oilers in recent seasons has been the team’s goaltending situation. While they boast one of the best offensive lineups in the NHL, they’ve consistently struggled to find the consistency needed in net. This lack of consistency has been especially evident during the playoffs, where poor goaltending can sink even the most formidable offensive teams.
Stuart Skinner, who took over as the team’s starting goaltender during the 2022-2023 season, has had moments of brilliance but also times when he has appeared out of sync. His emergence as the Oilers’ number one goalie was a welcome development, but Skinner’s growth has been slow at times. Similarly, Jack Campbell, a high-priced free-agent signing, has struggled to find the form that made him one of the most sought-after goaltenders during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What both Skinner and Campbell have in common is that they’ve been frequently exposed to heavy pressure in front of them, leading to goals being scored off rebounds or as a result of physical collisions in the crease. This has contributed to both goalies’ inconsistency and has raised valid concerns about whether the team is doing enough to protect them. Perry’s comments suggest that the Oilers’ defense, although improved, is still not doing enough to shield their goalies from the barrage of shots and physical play they face every game.
In fact, the Oilers’ defense has often been described as high-risk, high-reward, with the team’s offensive-minded players prioritizing puck movement and scoring chances over defensive responsibilities. While this strategy works well for generating offense, it can leave goalies vulnerable to extended pressure and a lack of support in the crease. Perry’s concern for better protection comes from this exact vulnerability.
The Importance of Protecting Goaltenders in the Modern NHL
In today’s NHL, goaltender protection is more important than ever. The speed and physicality of the game have reached new levels, and with the rise of power forwards and players willing to do whatever it takes to get to the net, goaltenders are often left in precarious situations. In years past, goaltenders would be protected by defensemen who would clear the crease and ensure that the opposing forwards couldn’t get too close to their netminders. However, as the game has evolved, defensemen are more focused on offensive involvement, and goaltenders are often left to fend for themselves.
The NHL’s rules have also contributed to this trend. While goaltender interference is still a penalty, the lines have become increasingly blurred over the years, with referees often hesitant to call interference unless the collision is egregious. This has resulted in goaltenders being run over more frequently, leading to injuries, decreased confidence, and poor performances.
Perry’s call for better protection is rooted in the understanding that a team’s success in the postseason—where every game becomes a battle of attrition—often hinges on the ability to keep the goaltender healthy and in the game. Goaltenders are the backbone of any championship team, and the Oilers, for all their offensive firepower, need their netminders to be at their best when the games matter most. That requires both physical protection from hits and better defensive coverage in front of the crease.
Is Perry’s Concern Being Heard?
Given Perry’s experience and leadership, it’s likely that his concerns have resonated within the Oilers’ locker room. Head coach Jay Woodcroft and general manager Ken Holland have both acknowledged the importance of improving team defense, and protecting the goaltenders is an extension of that goal. While the Oilers’ offensive juggernaut has often overshadowed their defensive weaknesses, there is an increasing awareness within the organization that goaltending could be the deciding factor in their playoff success.
Perry’s comments, which have echoed across social media and into the ears of Oilers fans, have put additional pressure on the team to make changes. Whether that means bringing in more physical defensemen or focusing more on improving the team’s defensive structure, it is clear that the protection of goalies will be an ongoing discussion point for the remainder of the season.
The next step will be for the Oilers to take action. While Perry’s concern may have been heard within the organization, the real test will be whether the team can implement strategies to better protect their goalies. Whether it involves changes in defensive schemes, adjustments to player roles, or even adding a physical defenseman to the roster, the Oilers must address this issue if they hope to make a deep playoff run and, ultimately, contend for a Stanley Cup.
