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Corey Perry: A Playoff Veteran
In a recent issue, a spotlight was placed on Corey Perry, a veteran player who has established himself as a mainstay in playoff hockey over the last two decades. Perry, who first graced the postseason in 2006 as part of the Anaheim Ducks, instantly contributed to the franchise’s success by securing a Stanley Cup in the following year. Remarkably, there have been only three playoff seasons since where Perry was not in the mix.
Increasingly recognized for his playoff significance, Perry has reached the Stanley Cup finals five times in the last six seasons, albeit suffering defeats with three different teams—the Dallas Stars in 2020, the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, and the Tampa Bay Lightning in their pursuit of a third consecutive championship in 2022. Last spring, he overtook Mark Messier in the all-time playoff games played rankings, now holding the record for the most postseason games among active players at 237.
To put this into perspective, Perry has participated in more playoff matches than the entire current roster of the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he would need at least two more playoff appearances to catch up with legendary players Chris Chelios and Nicklas Lidstrom who lead the all-time list with 266 and 263 games, respectively.
Playoff Experience Rankings
Perry’s experience and accolades have elevated the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributing to their placement as the second-ranked team in The Hockey News’ Countdown, which assesses playoff experience across NHL rosters. The rankings reflect the total number of playoff games played by players as of March 9, including those on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) who could potentially play this season.
Among the NHL teams analyzed, the Florida Panthers lead with a remarkable 1,510 playoff games among their current roster, thanks in part to ten players who have participated in all three recent Cup final appearances. Following closely, the Tampa Bay Lightning possess a collective 1,506 playoff games, with key defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Victor Hedman contributing significantly to that total. Other teams in the top 10 include the Vegas Golden Knights (1,336), Dallas Stars (1,313), and Colorado Avalanche (1,276), which indicates a wide range of playoff experiences across the league.
Several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins, showcase impressive playoff pedigrees with notable players contributing to their historical success. The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, meanwhile, face potential roster changes that could impact their future playoff games played.
Looking Ahead
As the NHL gears up for yet another exciting playoff season, fans are reminded of the critical impact of experience in pursuing the coveted Stanley Cup. Those looking to stay updated on all aspects of the league can visit The Hockey News’ site for ongoing coverage, news, and analysis.
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