The AJ Greer-Corey Perry fight may not have lasted long, but it left a lasting impression. Whether it was Perry proving he can still throw punches, Greer possibly injuring his hand, or the Oilers getting a boost from the scrap, this fight gave fans plenty to talk about
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if either player drops the gloves again. One thing’s for sure—hockey fights may be less frequent, but when they happen, they still get fans fired up.
The Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers matchup was a thrilling contest that had everything—early fights, big hits, back-and-forth scoring, and standout performances.
The battle between Perry and Greer set the stage for an exciting game, and the intense competition that followed kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Both teams showcased their strengths and proved why they are among the top contenders in the NHL. Whether it was the physicality, the scoring opportunities, or the goaltending performances, this game was a reminder of why hockey remains one of the most exciting sports to watch.
With the season moving forward, both teams will look to build on this performance, using the intensity and lessons from this game to fuel their playoff aspirations.
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Table of Contents
Corey Perry and AJ Greer Drop the Gloves Early
Before the game even had a chance to settle, fireworks erupted between Edmonton’s Corey Perry and Florida’s AJ Greer.1
Just under three minutes into the first period, the two players engaged in a heated fight along the boards.
Greer wasted no time initiating the fight, getting inside on Perry and landing several heavy right-hand punches to his opponent’s head.
Perry tried to tie up Greer to slow him down but struggled to contain the Florida forward’s aggressive approach.
Greer maintained control and continued throwing powerful blows before Perry managed to land a couple of counterpunches.
Help my fiancée reach her goal! 🏃♀️⚫️🟡https://t.co/p9Q8HcUBZQ
— AJ Greer (@ajgreer_10) January 10, 2023
Officials Step In
The fight lasted approximately 30 seconds before the referees decided to step in and break it up. The crowd roared in approval of the intense exchange, appreciating the early show of physicality.
Both Greer and Perry received five-minute major penalties for fighting, putting their teams at even strength despite the penalties.
Following the fight, the game continued with both teams pushing for the first goal. Florida capitalized on their momentum when Anton Lundell made a brilliant play to set up Uvis Balinskis for the game’s opening goal.
The matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers on Thursday night was an intense, hard-hitting game that featured an early fight, key goals, and plenty of action.
Less than three minutes into the game, Corey Perry and AJ Greer set the tone with a spirited brawl, while both teams traded goals in a highly competitive contest. Let’s break down the most important moments of this thrilling game.
AJ Greer: Well-Executed Play
Lundell maneuvered skillfully through Edmonton’s defense before spotting Balinskis in a perfect position.2
He delivered a crisp pass, allowing Balinskis to fire a shot past the Oilers’ goaltender, giving the Panthers an early 1-0 lead.
The Oilers did not waste much time responding. Just a few minutes later, Brett Kulak answered with a goal for Edmonton, bringing the score to 1-1.
Kulak found himself in the right place at the right time, seizing a rebound opportunity and blasting the puck past Florida’s goalie.
Back-and-Forth Action in the Second Period
The second period saw both teams continue their high-energy performance. Florida regained the lead thanks to a well-orchestrated goal by Anton Lundell, only for Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl to equalize shortly after.
Lundell continued to shine, finding the back of the net himself this time to give the Panthers a 2-1 advantage. Assisted by defenseman Aaron Ekblad, Lundell’s quick hands and sharp shooting put Florida back in control.
However, just minutes later, Leon Draisaitl showed why he’s one of the league’s top scorers. Receiving a perfect feed from John Klingberg, Draisaitl fired a well-placed shot past the goaltender to tie the game once again at 2-2.
The Role of Physicality in the Game
Aside from the scoring, this game was defined by its physicality. The early fight between Perry and Greer set the tone, but big hits and scrappy plays continued throughout all three periods.
Both teams took every opportunity to throw their weight around. The defensemen, in particular, were delivering punishing body checks, making it difficult for the opposing forwards to create scoring chances.
Florida’s Radko Gudas and Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse were among the most aggressive players, each delivering highlight-reel hits.
While fighting is sometimes seen as a sideshow in hockey, it often serves a strategic purpose. The Perry-Greer fight injected energy into both teams, igniting an already intense matchup. Players fed off the energy from the crowd, leading to an increase in the game’s overall intensity.
Goaltender Performances: A Test of Resilience
Goaltending was another crucial aspect of the game. Both teams relied heavily on their netminders to keep the score tight, especially during key moments of the match.
The Panthers’ goaltender made several crucial saves throughout the game, particularly in the second period when Edmonton’s offense was pressing hard.
His ability to track the puck and react quickly to scoring chances kept Florida in the fight.
On the other side, the Oilers’ goaltender had his hands full dealing with Florida’s aggressive attack.
Despite allowing two goals, he made several key stops to prevent the Panthers from extending their lead. His resilience allowed Edmonton to remain competitive heading into the final period.
AJ Greer: Power Plays and Special Teams Performance
Special teams played a critical role in the flow of the game. Both the Oilers and Panthers had multiple power-play opportunities, but neither team was able to take full advantage.3
Both squads had multiple chances to capitalize with the man advantage but struggled to convert. Strong penalty-killing efforts and solid goaltending ensured that the game remained tightly contested.
Despite the game’s physical nature leading to several penalties, both penalty-killing units performed well. They applied pressure on the puck carriers, blocked passing lanes, and disrupted scoring chances effectively.
Several players made significant contributions throughout the game, whether through scoring, playmaking, or defensive efforts.
Anton Lundell: Florida’s Star of the Night
Lundell was a standout performer for the Panthers, contributing both a goal and an assist. His ability to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on chances was a major factor in Florida’s offensive success.
Leon Draisaitl: A Clutch Performer
Draisaitl once again proved why he is one of the best players in the league. His ability to step up in critical moments was on full display as he netted a key goal to keep the Oilers in the game.
Corey Perry: Bringing the Grit
Even though Perry was on the receiving end of some tough punches, his willingness to drop the gloves and stand up for his team set the tone early. His veteran presence added an edge to Edmonton’s play.
The Final Minutes and What’s Next
As the game progressed into the third period, both teams pushed hard for the go-ahead goal. The defensive intensity ramped up, with each side fighting to gain an edge.
Even though this was a regular-season game, the energy and intensity resembled a playoff matchup. Both teams showed tremendous urgency, knowing that every point matters in the standings.
With the game showcasing so much physicality and competitive spirit, both teams will likely carry this intensity into their upcoming matchups. The Oilers and Panthers remain strong playoff contenders, and this game was a great test of their resilience.
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AJ Greer-Corey Perry Fight: Fans Reaction
The intense fight between AJ Greer and Corey Perry took over social media on Thursday night.
The brief yet action-packed scrap between the Oilers and Panthers forwards sparked excitement among hockey fans, bringing back memories of old-school hockey brawls.
On Twitter and other platforms, fans couldn’t stop talking about the clash, debating who won the fight and whether such physicality still has a place in the modern NHL.
Let’s break down the fan reactions and what this fight meant for both players and their teams.
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A Throwback to Old-School Hockey
Hockey fights are becoming rarer in today’s NHL, making moments like this one even more special for fans who enjoy the rougher side of the sport.
One fan captured the sentiment perfectly by tweeting:
“Gloves are flying tonight!!! How can you not love hockey?”
Another wrote:
“Corey Perry is the toughest guy on the Oilers, and it’s not even close.”
Perry, a veteran known for his scrappy play, surprised many by taking on AJ Greer, who has been making a name for himself as an enforcer this season. The fight wasn’t just about personal pride—it set the tone for an intense game.
A Surprising Show of Strength from Corey Perry
Corey Perry, at 38 years old, isn’t exactly known for fighting as much as he was earlier in his career. Yet, he didn’t hesitate to drop the gloves against the younger, tougher Greer.
One fan pointed out Perry’s boldness:
“Credit to Perry for going with Greer. Greer’s an animal this season. What a start to Thursday night hockey!”
Others, however, questioned whether Perry still has what it takes:
“What happened to Perry? Dude acts like he’s 65 and can’t fight anymore.”
Despite the mixed reactions, it’s clear that Perry earned some respect for stepping up against a player with a reputation for throwing heavy punches.
Did AJ Greer Hurt His Hand? Fans Speculate
During the fight, some fans noticed that AJ Greer hesitated after landing a strong initial punch.
This led to speculation that he may have hurt his hand on Perry’s helmet.
One fan commented:
“I think Greer hurt his hand on Perry’s helmet on that first blow. His hand was free but seemed reluctant to keep throwing.”
If true, this could explain why the fight didn’t last longer. It’s not uncommon for players to injure their hands in fights, especially when punches connect with helmets rather than faces.
Did This Fight Motivate the Oilers?
Fans also debated whether this fight had any impact on the Oilers’ performance.
One fan wrote:
“Maybe that’s what the Oilers need to wake them up!! Good scrap!!”
Teams often rally around physical moments like this, and many believe Perry’s willingness to fight could serve as a wake-up call for Edmonton.
The Oilers have been inconsistent this season, and a bit of grit might be exactly what they need to spark a strong push toward the playoffs.
As NHL fights become less common due to rule changes and concerns about player safety, fans are divided on whether they should still be a part of the game.
Some believe fights like this one add excitement and intensity, while others argue that hockey should move away from violence. The debate continues, but one thing is clear—fans still love a good fight when it happens.
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