As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, veteran forward Corey Perry highlighted the critical role of Connor McDavid’s leadership and impact in the team‘s bid to stay alive. Despite McDavid contributing only one goal in the first five games, his presence remains pivotal for the Oilers’ chances of forcing a Game 7.
Perry, who joined the Oilers in early 2024, shared his insights about McDavid’s influence beyond scoring. Reflecting on their time as teammates during the 2016 IIHF World Championships, where Perry captained Canada to gold, he emphasized McDavid’s growth into a key leader within the Oilers’ locker room and on the ice.
Corey Perry highlights McDavid’s role beyond scoring
Corey Perry praised Connor McDavid not just for his skill but for his commitment to team leadership. Speaking with the media on Monday, Perry explained that while McDavid’s talent is well-known, his leadership qualities off the ice are equally significant for the Oilers’ morale during high-pressure moments.
“Everyone knows he’s a great player. You would have known that, but just about his leadership off the ice — what he brings in — in terms of how he helps the group in these moments. He’s huge. I didn’t know him that well. I played with him at World Championships, but he was a lot younger, and I didn’t know him that well when I came in.
“I was very surprised — you know how outgoing he is in the dressing room — how he can — you know — he’s just friends with everybody — and he’s that leader. He’s a voice, and he uses it when it needs to be said or something needs to be said. His actions speak louder than his words. I wouldn’t ask for a better captain, that’s for sure,” Perry said.
McDavid has been a key offensive contributor throughout the playoffs and remains tied with Leon Draisaitl at 33 points overall. However, he has struggled to consistently make an impact in recent games, tallying only two points in the last three matches, during which the Oilers suffered heavy losses to the Panthers, including a 6-1 defeat and a 5-2 setback.
Oilers face uphill battle with injuries and tougher opposition
Edmonton’s challenges extend beyond McDavid’s scoring struggles. The team’s lack of depth was exposed following the loss of Zach Hyman, a postseason leader in hits, who is sidelined due to injury. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers have implemented strong defensive strategies that effectively limit the opportunities of forwards like McDavid and Draisaitl, hampering Edmonton’s playing style.
These factors contributed to the Oilers’ slow starts during the series, where they have fallen behind early in all five games against Florida. The pressure now rests on the team to muster a resilient response in this elimination game on the road.
Perry stresses urgency and focus ahead of crucial Game 6
Despite the hurdles, Corey Perry expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to respond. He made it clear that the Oilers understand the stakes and must overcome the disappointment of previous performances to extend the series.
“Our backs are against the wall. After a disappointing game — you know, all around — you have to bounce back. It’s the playoffs. If you don’t, everything’s over, and suddenly you’re going home for the summer.
“So you got to be able to flush it, move on, and be ready for the next one. We know what’s at stake. We know where we are, and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen,” Perry said.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch may consider tactical adjustments to improve the Oilers’ chances in Game 6 as they attempt to avoid elimination and force a decisive Game 7 on home ice. The team’s response in this critical match will shape the conclusion of their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance and test the resilience driven by McDavid’s leadership and Perry’s veteran presence.