Ex-NHLer defends Corey Perry from harsh criticism over unfortunate Stanley Cup Final record - "I view this stat as a compliment"

In defense of veteran NHL player Corey Perry, former NHL defenseman Marc Methot has spoken out against the harsh criticism Perry has faced over his unfortunate Stanley Cup Final record. Perry is just one game away from potentially losing his fourth Stanley Cup Final in five years with four different teams.

In 2020, Perry lost with the Dallas Stars against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 2021, his Montreal Canadiens lost against Tampa Bay. The next year, Perry and the Lightning fell to the Colorado Avalanche.

Despite this series of losses, Methot believes that Perry's performance should be seen as a reflection of his ability to adapt and his enduring presence.

"I view this stat as a compliment rather than a negative on his career," Methot said. "The man has already won a cup, and has managed to adapt to the new NHL game by playing a very different role."

“1300+ games, 900+ points, 1400+ pims, and is almost 40 years old. Corey Perry is a Warrior,” Methot emphasized.

The Oilers' 8-1 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 has given the team a glimmer of hope as it heads back to Florida for Game 5.

Fans react to Corey Perry's Stanley Cup Final record

Corey Perry's appearance in a fourth Stanley Cup Final in five seasons with a different team each time has sparked divided reactions from NHL fans on social media.

One fan viewed it as Perry's impressive accomplishment, saying:

"1500 games with playoffs, won the cup, hart, and rocket richard award. 68th all time in regular season games. Regardless of the off the ice stuff, impressive career."

One fan pointed out that Perry was not to blame for his teams' losses, tweeting:

“He’s not the reason they are losing. More likely a big reason they even got there!!"

Here are some more fan reactions:

"It's more than that. How the hell does this guy keep picking teams that will compete for the cup? I can't predict who will make it to the cup final next year. But this guy not only picks 4 of 5 years, but manages to get those teams to sign him??" one fan wrote on X.

"Well he is reaching the final , that is a huge team accomplishment," another fan wrote.

"Who’s picking him up to win the cup next season?" a user commented.

"If he didn’t already have one, you’d have to feel terrible for the guy but alas, the Perry Curse lives on," another user wrote.

The debate underscores how Perry's unique record in finals has stirred up emotive reactions throughout hockey circles.