Corey Perry’s Homecoming
Corey Perry, a significant figure in the history of the Anaheim Ducks, faced a tumultuous homecoming at the Honda Center on Friday as he donned a Los Angeles Kings jersey for the first time. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and former Hart Trophy winner was met with a chorus of boos from the Ducks fans, a stark contrast to the applause he once received during his 14-season tenure in Anaheim. Despite the hostile reception, Perry’s presence on the ice served as a reminder of his lasting legacy with the Ducks.
Thrilling Matchup
The matchup turned thrilling, culminating in a dramatic 5-4 shootout victory for the Ducks, who demonstrated their tenacity by overcoming a two-goal deficit late in the game. Chris Kreider, who played a pivotal role in the Ducks’ comeback with a power-play goal, praised the team’s resilience, stating,
“Great comeback. It’s definitely a confident feeling.”
Emerging Stars
In a standout performance, Leo Carlsson secured the equalizing goal with just 91 seconds remaining in regulation and contributed two assists, further solidifying his emerging prominence as one of the league’s impactful young players. Carlsson reflected on the team’s renewed spirit, saying,
“It’s a different team. Hungry. Different mentality, too. So it’s been great so far this season.”
Perry’s Journey and Ducks’ Success
After leaving the Ducks in 2019, Perry’s NHL journey led him to five different teams before signing with the Kings last summer. The Ducks have struggled in recent years, failing to achieve a winning record since his departure. Yet, after their latest victory, they now sit atop the division, experiencing their most successful start in over a decade—ranking second in the Western Conference and fourth in the NHL in points.
Game Highlights
The Ducks’ scoring lineup on Friday featured Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov, contributing alongside Carlsson. For the Kings, scoring duties were fulfilled by players including Alex Laferriere, Kevin Fiala, Alex Turcotte, and Joel Edmundson. Despite the loss, the Kings earned a point in the standings, staying competitive in the Pacific Division, just two points behind the Ducks.
Perry’s Impact and Team Dynamics
Perry, who missed the season’s opening games due to knee surgery, quickly made an impact upon his return. Highlighted for his strategic play rather than speed, Perry continues to be a formidable presence on the ice. Teammate Philip Danault acknowledged,
“He’s a massive piece for us right now… He’s probably one of the big reasons we’re winning.”
This marked Perry’s return to a vastly altered Ducks roster, which features many young players he doesn’t know. He expressed mixed emotions about the shift, noting,
“It’s turned over so much that it’s a new group.”
Conclusion
In a game that electrified a sellout crowd of 17,174, Mason McTavish’s winning shootout goal capped off a tense afternoon, a reflection of the rivalry’s intensity. The overall atmosphere was electric, with both teams demonstrating remarkable skill and energy throughout the match. As the season progresses, Perry’s role within the Kings and the Ducks’ evolution post-Perry will surely continue to make headlines in the competitive NHL landscape.
