It’s no secret that the Kings have struggled in the first round of the playoffs. In the past four seasons, the Kings have been eliminated by the same opponent. Regardless of whoever is on LA’s roster, it seems that they can’t get over the roadblock. However, this offseason, Los Angeles may have just signed the man who could help them, and that is forward Corey Perry.
Impact against Oilers
For the past two postseasons, Perry was part of the Edmonton teams that made it to the Stanley Cup. During this stretch, Perry was instrumental in providing depth and physicality to boost the bottom six. From last years playoff run, Perry recorded 10 goals, which was second most among the Oilers.
Even so, the Kings themselves were a victim of the scoring prowess of Perry in the first round. In game 4, the Oilers were trailing 2-0 and needed a spark from their offense. This was when Perry delivered a goal which upstart momentum for the Edmonton offense to come back and win in overtime. Had Perry not stepped up in the playoffs for the Oilers, it’s very possible that the Kings would’ve won that series. Now that the former Oiler is on the Kings this time around, it could be the Kings who send their Pacific rivals packing.
The Veteran Experience
While Perry played a role for the Oilers, it wasn’t the only time Perry helped teams make a deep run to the Stanley Cup. In only his second season in the NHL, Perry was one of the most significant players on the 2007 Ducks, which won the Stanley Cup. Perry was top four in goals, assists and points during this championship run. Perry would spend 13 more seasons on the Ducks and would help Anaheim become a perennial playoff team in the 2010s.
After his stint with Anaheim, Perry would find success with two new teams over the next two seasons. In 2020, Perry propelled Dallas to appear in their first Stanley Cup since 1999 and in the very next season, Perry went to Montreal and brought the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup as well. Both of these teams may have fallen victim to Tampa Bay, but the Lightning understood the key role Perry played on these teams. The Lightning signed Perry so he could boost their chances of a three-peat for the Stanley Cup.
Once again, Perry was part of a team that made it all the way to the Stanley Cup but fell short. Although Perry only secured one Stanley Cup, he’s had six appearances on the big stage during his career. Perry has elevated every team he’s been on and has been a contributor to these deep playoff runs.
Helping the Kings
Now the question is how much does Corey Perry help the Los Angeles Kings? The answer is Perry can help Los Angeles tremendously in the playoffs. The Kings have not made it past the first round since 2014 and in their last four seasons they’ve been eliminated by the Oilers. So, the Kings brought in a key piece from that Edmonton team which not only strengthens Los Angeles, but it also weakens their rival.
As previously mentioned, the series last year could’ve been a completely different story if Perry wasn’t playing for the other team. Not only does Perry help the Kings’ chances with the Oilers, but it helps their chances of making a deep playoff run. Los Angeles doesn’t have much experience with deep playoff runs as of late, but Perry has made 5 Stanley Cup appearances in the last six seasons.
Perry is also a proven champion and known for his playoff experience. The leadership from Perry can be the extra push that the Kings need to be an actual contender. So if Perry’s playoff track record continues in Los Angeles, then this signing might be the key ingredient for the Kings to make the Stanley Cup.
