Radko Gudas Confirms Lineup Spot Against Maple Leafs Despite Injury
Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas has officially declared he will be in the lineup for Monday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Honda Center, despite sustaining a leg injury last week. Gudas, known for his physical style of play, emphasized his desire to confront the consequences of his actions directly.
"I want to stand behind my own mistakes," Gudas stated to media members on Monday morning in Anaheim. "I want to address it myself." This statement refers to the controversial knee-on-knee hit he delivered on Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews during a game in Toronto on March 12, which ended Matthews' season and required surgery on his left knee.
Maple Leafs' Response Under Scrutiny
The incident has sparked significant criticism towards the Toronto Maple Leafs for their lack of immediate retaliation following the hit on Matthews. Players on the ice at the time, including William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, Easton Cowan, and Brandon Carlo, have since acknowledged varying levels of responsibility for not engaging Gudas in defense of their captain.
In a season marred by underperformance that may cost coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving their jobs, the failure to respond to Gudas' hit stands out as one of the team's most embarrassing moments. The anticipation for Monday's game is heightened by reports that George Parros, head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, will be in attendance, adding an extra layer of drama to the already tense matchup.
Gudas' Recent Suspension and Injury
Gudas returned to the Ducks lineup last week in Vancouver after serving a five-game suspension for the hit on Matthews. However, his participation was briefly in doubt after he suffered a leg injury against the Calgary Flames two nights later, causing him to miss the game against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. His confirmation to play against the Leafs signals a readiness to face the backlash head-on.
Leafs Recall Bo Groulx Ahead of Game
In preparation for the game, the Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled forward Bo Groulx from the Toronto Marlies on an emergency basis. Groulx, 26, had previously recorded three goals and two assists in nine games with the Leafs before being sent down to the Marlies on Friday. The move was strategic to avoid waivers, as playing a tenth game would have required him to clear waivers to return to the American Hockey League.
After playing one game with the Marlies against Rochester on Friday, Groulx met the requirements for an emergency recall, allowing the Leafs to bring him back without waiver risks for future AHL playoff assignments. Whether Groulx will be in the lineup against the Ducks remains uncertain, but his recall addresses the Leafs' need for depth, especially after they played with only 12 forwards in a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, recording a season-low 13 shots on goal.
Coach Craig Berube praised Groulx's character, noting that the player understood the situation and was willing to help the Marlies. "He wanted to go down and help them and play," Berube said on Friday. "That's a testament to his character and what he believes in. He played well, and I used him in a lot of different situations, and I thought he handled himself well."
As the puck drops on Monday night, all eyes will be on Gudas and the Leafs, with the potential for heightened emotions and physical play given the history between the teams. The outcome could have implications for both clubs as they navigate the remainder of the season.
