Ducks Gudas to Play Leafs Despite Injury in Rematch

Anaheim, California – Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas confirmed he will suit up for Monday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite a recent lower-body injury, as the teams prepare for a rematch laced with tension from an earlier controversial hit.

The anticipated matchup stems from an incident on March 12 in Toronto, when Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews during a game at Scotiabank Arena. The collision resulted in a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion for Matthews, who underwent season-ending surgery on March 19. The Ducks won that contest 4-2, but the hit drew widespread scrutiny. Gudas received a five-game suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety, his fifth career ban totaling 26 games. At the time, Matthews' injury all but eliminated Toronto's fading playoff hopes in a season already marked by struggles.

No Maple Leafs players immediately confronted Gudas after the hit, a decision that sparked internal reflection and external criticism. Defenseman Morgan Rielly, who was on the ice, later said, "It's on me for not responding earlier to Gudas. Obviously, it's a dirty hit. I didn't understand how bad he got...