Corey Perry reflects on making his fifth Stanley Cup Final appearance, his first with Oilers

Corey Perry is heading to his fifth Stanley Cup Final and his first with the Edmonton Oilers. Thinking back on the journey, Perry talked about feeling excited and nervous. Even though he's been around for a while, the excitement of the game is still the same for him.

"I mean, I'm a little older, but it's still hockey. It's still fun. You still get butterflies. You know, all the excitement that comes with it. That stuff never gets old. You just go out and play hockey. Everybody's asking what it's like, what to expect. I just say, 'Go play.' It's hockey," Perry said (via TSN)

Looking ahead, Corey Perry remains focused on the task at hand. He shared the importance of simply enjoying the moment and playing the game he loves.

"It's still the same game we've been playing for 95, 100 games before this. It's exciting, it's different, but it's going to be fun. Just enjoy the moment. You've got two of the best teams in the league going at it.

"They're skilled and physical on the other side. But we have things in here that we're good at as well. It's two good teams going at it, and that's the best part about this," Perry added.

"We've gone through different types of rounds and series in these playoffs. The physicality with Vancouver, the skill with Dallas. We've seen different types of hockey, and we'll see where this one goes," Perry said.

Corey Perry's playoff journey to Stanley Cup Final

Having appeared in playoffs 16 times over his 19-season career, Perry is no stranger to the intensity of the postseason. He now holds the record for reaching the Stanley Cup Final with five different teams. Notably absent from his list are the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he parted ways early in the 2023–24 season.

Corey Perry's record in the final has earned him a peculiar reputation. Three times in the past four years, he's reached the final only to see his team fall short.

His stints with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, and Tampa Bay Lightning all ended in defeat. He didn't make it to the final last season with the Lightning, ending the streak.

Corey Perry played well against the Canucks and Stars. This has made sure he stays in the lineup. With the final against the Panthers coming up, his experience and toughness will be crucial.