Unusual Assist Marks a Memorable Night for Corey Perry and the Edmonton Oilers
In a remarkable display of unpredictability, NHL player Corey Perry of the Edmonton Oilers managed to score perhaps one of the most unusual assists of his career during a thrilling encounter against the Washington Capitals. As the game unfolded on a brisk Tuesday night, a situation arose in the third period that would leave fans talking long after the final buzzer. The game, which saw the Oilers trailing 3-1, took a curious turn that not only changed the score but also highlighted the spontaneous nature of live sporting events.
The third period began with the Oilers drawing from a deep reservoir of determination as center Leon Draisaitl darted into the Capitals’ zone. With a keen eye for opportunity, Draisaitl quickly made a decisive pass to Perry. In a tense moment, Perry managed to beat the Capitals’ goalie Logan Thompson, successfully shrinking the deficit to 3-2. This goal not only provided a glimmer of hope for the Oilers but also showcased Perry’s prowess on the ice as he capitalized on a critical play.
No. 90 Corey Perry of the Edmonton Oilers faces No. 80 Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Washington Capitals during the first period of a game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on January 21, 2025. (Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
However, the goal would not come without its controversies. Shortly after Perry’s score, Thompson, visibly perplexed, approached the officials to raise an eyebrow at the preceding turn of events. His dispute centered around an object that he claimed had been thrown onto the ice before the pass was made. Intriguingly, Thompson was concerned about a platter of nachos, which elicited laughter and bemusement both on and off the ice.
The playful chaos did not escape Capitals manager Spencer Carberry’s notice. He expressed his disbelief during a post-game interview, stating, “This is a first for us. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a game of nachos on ice in the National Hockey League. Did they save them? Maybe take them to the locker room?” Such comments underscore the humorous unpredictabilities that can arise in high-stakes sports settings.

Corey Perry, No. 90 of the Edmonton Oilers, scores a third-period goal against No. 48 Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals during a game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on January 21, 2025. (Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
Thompson later echoed the sentiment, admitting, “I’ve never seen anything like this before. Of course, I have to play until the whistle, and that’s on me.” His candid reflection reveals the often-overlooked fact that players are continually challenged by the spontaneous nature of sporting events, which can lead to unusual circumstances that affect gameplay.
Perry, on his part, was oblivious to the nachos amid the chaos. “I didn’t see the platter,” he mentioned, focusing more on the gameplay than the distractions around him. Despite the audacious interruption and the assistant goal, the game concluded with the Capitals maintaining their lead and winning 3-2. This victory linked with a five-game winning streak for Washington, contrasted starkly against the Oilers’ second consecutive loss, which also came on the heels of star forward Connor McDavid’s three-game suspension for cross-checking an opponent.
Conclusion
The unusual events from Tuesday night’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Washington Capitals exemplify the unpredictable nature of sports. From Corey Perry’s unexpected assist to the humorous distraction of nachos filling the typically serious atmosphere of an NHL game, such moments add character and spontaneity to the overall experience. While the final score favored the Capitals, the incident serves as a friendly reminder of the lighter, oftentimes humorous side of competitive sports, where focus can sometimes be disrupted in the most unexpected ways.
FAQs
What led to the unusual goal by Corey Perry?
Corey Perry scored after receiving a pass from Leon Draisaitl while on the ice, but the play’s distraction came from a platter of nachos that had been thrown onto the ice, which caught the goaltender Logan Thompson’s attention.
Did the nachos impact the game’s outcome?
While the nachos provided a humorous distraction, they did not directly impact the outcome of the game, as the Capitals held on to win 3-2 despite the Oilers’ efforts.
What was the context of Connor McDavid’s suspension?
Connor McDavid, a star player for the Oilers, was suspended for three games for an incident where he cross-checked an opponent’s head, impacting the team’s performance in the playoff race.
How did the Capitals react to the incident?
Capitals manager Spencer Carberry humorously remarked on the unexpected occurrence, highlighting the rarity of such distractions in the NHL and noting it as an unforgettable moment from the game.
What implications does this game have for the Oilers moving forward?
The loss marked the Oilers’ second consecutive defeat and raises concerns regarding their playoff position, especially in light of McDavid’s suspension and the need for the team to regroup and perform consistently in upcoming matches.