Corey Perry shares how Edmonton Oilers can overcome Stanley Cup Final heartbreak

By ARJUN B

Modified Oct 07, 2024 06:55 GMT

Edmonton Oilers veteran Corey Perry spoke to the media after practice on Sunday about moving past last season's Stanley Cup Final loss and focusing on the upcoming season.

The Oilers lost in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in June by the Florida Panthers, ending their run one-win shy of the franchise's first championship since 1990. With a new season set to begin this week, Perry emphasized the importance of not dwelling on the past.

"You can't live in the past, yeah, you know, last year it happened, you got to move on," said Perry.

"You can't can't keep dwelling on it. You know you had the summer to dwell on it, training opened in mid-September, and that's when you put it behind it and start focusing on what's at stake."

Now entering his 20th NHL season, the 39-year-old knows staying in the moment is critical for any team with championship aspirations.

"It's a long year, you can't win a Stanley cup in October, you have to put in the work and every day you just try to get better and win the day," Perry added.

While the Oilers will feel extra motivation after coming so close last season, Perry stressed ignoring outside expectations and hype.

"You can't listen to the outside noise. ... It's all about work coming to work every day, putting the time in, putting in the effort and seeing the results and that's what we're focues on," Perry said.

Perry, who scored 12 goals in 54 games between Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton last season. The Oilers begin the 2024-25 campaign on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets.

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Corey Perry's expected role with the Edmonton Oilers

When questioned about Corey Perry's expected role with the Oilers and coach Kris Knoblauch's thoughts on adjusting his position in the lineup as needed, Perry highlighted his adaptable mindset towards playing the game.

"I've been saying this for the last, what, seven years now?I'm just trying to come in and just play my game and do my thing and, you know, wherever they put me," Corey Perry said.

Perry’s commitment to his style of play remains unwavering.

"So, you know it's nothing changes for me, just go and play my style of hockey and that I've been doing for 20 years now, and I'm not going to quit now,” he added.

As the season unfolds, his leadership and adaptability will be crucial for the Oilers’ success.