Corey Perry cheap shots top prospect Patrick Laine at Worlds
Get all of Allan Muir’s columns as soon as they’re published. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.
Corey Perry may have just cheap-shotted his way out of the World Championships.
The Anaheim Ducks star was skating for Canada on Tuesday when he delivered a vicious leg whip/slew foot to Team Finland star Patrick Laine.
Pretty tough to defend that as a hockey play.
The 18-year-old winger immediately went to the bench and appeared to be in great distress. He later returned to action, though without much jump.
Small Worlds: Soviet legend Sergei Makarov's a glaring Hall snub
Perry was not penalized on the play. He should, however, face supplemental discipline from IIHF officials.
If he is suspended, it'll happen at the worst possible moment. After dropping a 4–0 decision to the Finns in Tuesday's round-robin finale, Canada moves on to face Russia in the single-elimination quarterfinals. Losing their captain would be a big blow.
Finland faces a potentially huge loss as well. Laine entered the game ranking second in both goals (6) and points (10) for the tournament, bolstering his credentials ahead of the upcoming NHL draft. He's expected to be selected with the second pick by the Winnipeg Jets. If he's less than 100%, Finland's chances to medal drop significantly.
At least one Finnish legend took issue with the play.
Perry traveled to the Worlds in an effort to make one last impression before Team Canada management finalizes its roster for the upcoming World Cup. No doubt his international experience and chemistry with Anaheim teammate Ryan Getzlaf play in his favor. But there were concerns about his scoring and his discipline. If he's not one of the players added ahead of the deadline, this might have been the moment that cost him a spot on the team.