With the Jets up 1-0 and the team pushing to extend the lead Blake Wheeler was hauled down by the Ducks Kevin Bieksa. That play drew the eye and a penalty by the referee but what was missed was Corey Perry heading straight for Mathieu Perreault.
Photo Credit: Rodney Braun
The Ducks winger, who is well known for his stick work, slashed Perreault in the arm, forcing 85 to leave the game just 3:02 into the 1st period.
The slash from Perry on Perreault.. I’m sure it’s ok though because Perry is a “star” right? pic.twitter.com/aJMnK10z4t
— GameTimeArt (@GameTimeArt) January 24, 2017
And another angle:
@GrouchyMouth @IllegalCurve @NHLPlayerSafety pic.twitter.com/yv87jDy3QQ
— Glenn Finockio (@gfinockio) January 24, 2017
The Jets announced that Perreault would not return for the 2nd period after suffering an upper body injury. He played just 2:36 of today’s game.
Following the game coach Maurice confirmed that “He’s out. He won’t play tomorrow.”
Update: For those hoping that Perry would be punished it turns out he will not be facing any justice for his stick work according to Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun:
NHL says Corey Perry’s slash on Mathieu Perreault was reviewed last night, no further action being considered. #NHLJets.
— Paul Friesen (@friesensunmedia) January 24, 2017
We will have any further update from coach Maurice on illegalcurve.com and will notify you on social media via Twitter | Facebook | Instagram.
