‘We’ll discuss about that internally’: Oilers’ Corey Perry acknowledges hit that forced Stuart Skinner to leave game.
The atmosphere in the Edmonton Oilers’ locker room was filled with tension and concern after a physical game against the Chicago Blackhawks, which saw Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ starting goaltender, leave the ice after taking a heavy hit. The hit, delivered by Corey Perry, a seasoned veteran forward for the Blackhawks, has sparked considerable debate and left the Oilers with an injury crisis in goal. With playoff aspirations on the line, the outcome of the game became secondary to the health of one of the team’s most crucial players.
Perry’s hit, which occurred during the second period, has raised a series of questions about the rules, intent, and the ethics of physical play in hockey. The Oilers and Perry’s Blackhawks now find themselves embroiled in a situation that is as much about injury as it is about the game’s integrity and how such moments should be handled in the fast-paced, high-stakes atmosphere of the NHL.
In the aftermath of the incident, Corey Perry addressed the situation publicly, offering his thoughts on the play and acknowledging the resulting injury to Stuart Skinner. His words seemed to suggest that the hit, while part of the game, might have been harder than necessary, with Perry himself recognizing that it would be discussed “internally” among the Blackhawks’ players and coaching staff. But for the Oilers, the real question is how they’ll recover from the potential loss of their number one goaltender as the team heads toward a critical stretch in their season.
This article will take a detailed look at the hit, the reactions from Corey Perry, the aftermath for Stuart Skinner and the Oilers, and what this incident means for both teams moving forward.
The Hit: A Defining Moment in the Game
It was a relatively ordinary play in the grand context of hockey—a collision near the blue paint in front of the net. But this seemingly innocuous moment would take on a life of its own as the Blackhawks’ Corey Perry delivered a hit on Stuart Skinner that caused immediate concern.
The situation occurred when Skinner was tracking the puck in the crease during a chaotic scramble in front of the net. As the Blackhawks forward Perry came in with speed, he made contact with Skinner in an attempt to either clear the crease or provide a distraction to the goaltender. The force of the hit sent Skinner sprawling and left him clutching his leg in pain.
The impact of the hit was enough to force Skinner to leave the game immediately. While it wasn’t a “high hit” or an overtly violent collision, the timing and the resulting injury placed it under a microscope. Skinner was later evaluated by the Oilers’ medical staff, and the initial diagnosis pointed to a lower-body injury. The severity of the injury remains uncertain at the time of writing, but the concern surrounding Skinner’s health quickly overshadowed the rest of the game’s events.
While hits like these are not uncommon in hockey—particularly in tight situations around the crease—the nature of the hit raised questions about Perry’s intent and whether it was a calculated decision or simply part of the rough-and-tumble nature of the game.
Perry’s Response: Acknowledging the Hit
In the postgame interviews, Corey Perry was asked about the hit, and his response was measured, acknowledging the concern surrounding the incident. The veteran forward was typically candid and open, admitting that the collision was part of the physical play, but indicating that he understood the impact it had on Skinner and his team.
“I’ve played this game for a long time, and I’ve been in situations like that before,” Perry said. “I was just trying to get to the net and make a play, but obviously, it’s not great when a guy gets hurt. We’ll discuss about that internally, but it wasn’t intentional. I never want to see someone go down like that.”
Perry’s words suggest that, while the hit was not malicious, he understood the gravity of the situation. The language used in “we’ll discuss about that internally” indicated that the Blackhawks would review the play within their own ranks. Whether this meant an internal conversation about the ethics of the hit or a team meeting about better protecting players in such situations wasn’t fully clear. However, it was evident that Perry was taking responsibility for the play in the context of how it affected Skinner and the Oilers.
The Oilers had no immediate comment on whether they would file an official complaint to the NHL about the incident, but Perry’s statement highlighted the gray area that often exists in physical sports like hockey. The debate around whether the hit was fair or unnecessary has become one of the most discussed topics among fans, analysts, and former players.
The Impact on Stuart Skinner and the Oilers
The impact of the injury on Stuart Skinner is far-reaching. As the Oilers’ number one goaltender, Skinner had been instrumental in keeping the team in playoff contention throughout the season. His ability to make timely saves and provide consistency in the crease was crucial to the Oilers’ success.
With Skinner now facing an uncertain recovery timeline, the Oilers are forced to lean on their backup goaltender, Jack Campbell. Campbell, while talented, has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, and his ability to step up and play at a high level will be tested in the coming weeks. The Oilers are in the midst of a tightly contested Pacific Division race, and losing Skinner, especially if his injury is prolonged, could significantly hinder their chances.
The Oilers’ defense, which has been inconsistent at times this season, will also need to step up its game to alleviate pressure on Campbell in the crease. The physicality of the hit delivered by Perry further underscores the importance of defensive responsibility and goaltender protection. The NHL’s rulebook is designed to penalize dangerous hits to the head or other vulnerable parts of the body, but plays like Perry’s that result in an injury without being overtly malicious can sometimes leave the league in a gray area regarding punishment or suspension.
The NHL’s Role: A Possible Review and What’s Next
As is customary with any high-profile injury or hit, the NHL will likely review the incident to determine if it violated any league rules. The league has become more vigilant in recent years about hits to goaltenders and the protection of players in vulnerable positions, particularly around the crease. The hit by Corey Perry was not a clear, dangerous high hit, but it could fall under the category of being a check to an unsuspecting goalie, which is prohibited.
If the league finds that Perry’s actions were reckless or involved an element of intent to injure, a suspension or fine could follow. However, based on Perry’s history in the league and his statement after the game, it seems unlikely that the incident would rise to the level of a suspension. Instead, it’s more likely that it will be treated as a controversial hit but one that is deemed part of the rough nature of the game.
The question for the Oilers and Stuart Skinner is how this injury will impact their playoff aspirations. Skinner has been a steady force for Edmonton, and without him, the team will need Jack Campbell to rise to the occasion and deliver consistent performances. Whether the Oilers can weather this storm and remain competitive in the division will depend not only on Campbell’s play but also on how they adjust defensively in the wake of the injury.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
As the Oilers await further updates on Stuart Skinner’s condition, they must turn their attention to maintaining their position in the standings. The team cannot afford to slip in a crowded Pacific Division, and with Jack Campbell taking over in goal, the pressure will be on the backup goaltender to prove that he can be reliable when it matters most.
Meanwhile, the Oilers’ defense needs to tighten up. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been vulnerable at times, especially when they fail to provide adequate support for their goaltenders. The physicality of Perry’s hit is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the crease and ensuring that goalies have the space and protection they need to make stops without the threat of injury.
The Oilers also need to find a way to recover quickly from this setback and remain mentally strong as they push through a challenging stretch of games. The team’s leadership, from captain Connor McDavid to veteran defenseman Darnell Nurse, will be crucial in keeping the team focused and united in the face of adversity.
