Welcome to Oilersnation’s top 15 stories of the year, where we count down the most-read stories you, the reader, clicked on in 2024.
Kicking off No. 15 on the list is Corey Perry and Evander Kane’s heated exchange on the Edmonton Oilers bench.
It happened in early April when the Oilers visited the Calgary Flames, seeing the pair exchanging barbs. It happened shortly after a big scrum on the ice, late in the second period of an April 6th game, when the Oilers won 4-2.
Here’s some of what Mike Gould wrote about the incident:
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke about the “emotional” altercation between Kane and Perry after the game, which ended with the Oilers steering home a 4-2 victory.“I know before the period started, they had talked and made it out,” Knoblauch said. “There’s just a disagreement, and two passionate players. Nothing more than that.“Obviously, most important is do they stay composed, or focused — the more important word would be focused,” Knoblauch added. “Being able to return from that exchange ready for their next shift. And if they have that exchange, and it affects others on the bench, if it affects their next shift, then absolutely we don’t want to see that.“These players are very competitive, and they have emotions, and sometimes that comes out. Overall, I don’t assume it’s going to happen again.”Kane and Perry are both commonly regarded as power forwards. Kane, 32, has 23 goals and 41 points in 74 games with the Oilers this season; the 38-year-old Perry has seven goals and 10 points in 32 games since joining the Oilers in January.
here's more on the corey perry and evander kane argument. as kevin bieksa speculates here, it looks like perry was upset about a lazy turnover down low by kane. pic.twitter.com/l3ndoIaLKn https://t.co/fnpG2MhBKF
— zach (@zjlaing) April 7, 2024
Both players would address the spat in the following days, downplaying what happened. Perry said “Brothers fight” and that while the Oilers weren’t playing the best at the time, “frustrations and emotions boiled over — that’s all.”
Kane, meanwhile, echoed the sentiment, highlighting that these things happen: “I think it’s pretty common, for the most part. Guys have conversations, whether it’s in the room, on the bench, whether it’s in practice or what not. When it’s over, it’s over. We move on, and get ready for the next play, or the next shift.”
While there was some speculation Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl “went to Perry ‘for help’ with Kane,” the story would seemingly end there.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist, making up one-half of the DFO DFS Report. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.
PRESENTED BY ODD COMPANY
We’re beyond excited to announce our latest partnership with Odd Company Brewing to bring you the all-new Nation Beer Everyday Lager! Whether you’re watching the big game, chilling with friends, or just kicking back after a long day, this crisp, refreshing lager is the perfect choice. It’s the brew you can count on anytime, anywhere. So, why not make it your next game-day tradition? Nation Beer Everyday Lager is available now at Odd Company Brewing and through Liquor Connect. Don’t miss out—grab yours today and take your beer game to the next level! Cheers, Nation Citizens!