Gudas out for Ducks in Game 4 of Western 2nd Round
Gudas, a defenseman and the Ducks captain, was not on the ice for warmups after being a full participant on the morning skate for the second straight recreation. He has not performed since Game 1 of the primary spherical in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers on April 20.
“We’ll see,” coach Joel Quenneville mentioned after the morning skate when requested if Gudas might be in the lineup with the Ducks trailing the best-of-7 collection 2-1.
Gudas mentioned not enjoying in the postseason: “You have been one of the toughest experiences of my profession. But you already know, the fellows are battling for one another. They’re a really nice group, they’re conserving me in the loop, and we’re in this collectively.”
He known as himself a “game-time decision” on Sunday morning and sounded thrilled to have an opportunity to get again through the Ducks’ shocking run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
(*4*) Gudas mentioned. “At the start of the year, I don’t think anyone would’ve guessed anything like that, even the start of the playoffs. We’re getting better every day and enjoying each other’s company out there.”
Gudas has performed 5 video games since March 12, when he was concerned in a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who sustained a Grade 3 MCL pressure and missed the remaining of the common season. Gudas was suspended 5 video games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for kneeing.
He returned March 24, performed two video games, missed a recreation in opposition to the Oilers on March 28, performed on March 30 in opposition to the Maple Leafs, then missed 5 extra video games earlier than returning on April 12 in opposition to the Vancouver Canucks. Gudas missed the ultimate two video games of the common season earlier than enjoying Game 1 of the primary spherical.
Gudas, who performed for Team Czechia on the 2026 Winter Olympics, had 13 factors (two targets, 11 assists) in 56 video games this season, and has 10 factors (one purpose, 9 assists) in 58 postseason video games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers and the Ducks.
He was named Anaheim captain on Sept. 19, 2024.
With Gudas not enjoying, the Ducks’ solely lineup change from Game 3 was ahead Mason McTavish, a wholesome scratch the final two video games, getting again in.
He may very well be a giant increase for an influence play that’s 0-for-11 with a short-handed purpose in opposition to by way of the primary three video games. McTavish had six power-play targets and 11 power-play factors in the common season and has two power-play assists in the playoffs.
“I think we have to look to shoot more (on the power play),” McTavish mentioned, “particularly possibly from the highest to get some one-timers and a few higher screens.
“I think the biggest thing is just getting those second chances. I think we’re doing a really good job getting in there and getting set up and getting a shot, but just sustain that, that pressure, and throw them out.”
