NHL Playoffs: Corey Perry is the Ducks Mr. Overtime

The NHL playoffs have certainly been one of the most exciting things in sports.

The Anaheim Ducks have created an identity in these NHL playoffs as a team that can comeback in any situation. In the first round, it was against the Calgary Flames in game three, when the Ducks came back from a 4-1 deficit and won overtime 5-4.

In the second round against the Edmonton Oilers, it was the “Comeback on Katella” in game five, when the Ducks came back from 3-0 deficit with three minutes left in the game to win in double overtime 4-3.

Then there was last night against the Nashville Predators, trying to avoid going down 3-1 in the series the Ducks blew a 2-0 lead giving up the game-tying goal with just 34 seconds left. But in overtime they were magic again silencing the Predators fans winning the game 3-2.

All those comebacks have one thing in common the overtime goals were scored by the same player, Ducks right wing Corey Perry. With his third overtime goal, Perry tied an NHL record held by Mel Hill (1939) and Maurice Richard (1951) for the most overtime goals in a playoff year.

By coming through so often Perry has rehabilitated a season that for Perry was a struggle. Perry had his lowest goals total 19 and points total 53 since 2008, in last years playoffs Perry struggled scoring zero goals as the Ducks bowed out in seven games in the first round.

More from Anaheim Ducks

For Ducks fans used to Perry’s consistent goal scoring many questioned whether the career decline was on the rapid rise. The truth of the matter is despite his struggles Perry is scoring when the Ducks need him most.

For Perry at age 32 in his 12th NHL season, this might be the last best chance at winning another Stanley Cup. In 2007 when Perry was in his second year he was part of the Ducks youth movement coupled with future hall of famers, Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer, and Chris Pronger that lifted the Ducks only Stanley Cup.

Back then Perry was a cog in a bigger machine, now Perry a veteran has provided the leadership needed to keep the Ducks rolling. The Ducks will need more of that example going forward, they are just two games away from making their third Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history.

Next: Could Lonzo Ball end up in Philly, not LA?

Getting by the Predators won’t be easy but if Perry continues to find the net then Ducks fans can start buying tickets to the Finals. It’s obvious when Perry scores the Ducks win.

Home/Anaheim Ducks