Radko Gudas is ready to answer the bell Monday against the Maple Leafs no matter what the doctors say
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Radko Gudas is attempting to play Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, even despite an injury and knows that the Maple Leafs want him in the lineup for some much-anticipated revenge.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas is working to return ahead of Monday's game against Toronto, Elliotte Friedman reported on 'Saturday Headlines'.
Thing about this, Gudas said he wanted to play Monday no matter what. Call it the code or sportsman way of doing things he recognizes that the Maple Leafs want a piece of him and he wants to play. He sees doctors on Sunday but Gudas made it clear he wants to play. - Elliotte Friedman
Gudas' last game against Toronto came to an end early after being ejected after injuring Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Gudas was suspended for five games.
Having returned from his suspension after his five game absence, Gudas was injured on Thursday against the Calgary Flames, missing Saturday's match against the Edmonton Oilers.
Gudas was in a walking boot 24 hours ago and Friedman says he is choosing to play anyway
Friedman says that Radko Gudas is attempting to play Monday against Toronto in seemingly a motivated return against the Leafs, even while he's currently in a walking boot.
In what was a heated third period in the first Toronto–Anaheim game after the Matthews injury, the second game is likely to be just as physically intense between the two sides.
Not confirmed to return for Monday's game, Gudas is looking to return against Totonto while being the current enemy no. 1 after the injury to Matthews.
Gudas, unafraid to be one of the game's most imposing bruisers, seems poised to return for a game certain to be physical, and Gudas appears to want a part of it.
Monday night is no longer in doubt and the Maple Leafs are out of excuses
For Toronto, the game is one more chance to put some fight into the final few games of the season after a lack of aggression throughout the year.
The Leafs have faced criticism for an initial lack of fight in the immediate wake of the Matthews injury in the second period, and although they played a more imposing third period, there has been calls for more intimidation.
Without Matthews, the Leafs have been playing with more toughness and impact, and against Anaheim will be another test if the Leafs can continue their more physical style of play as of recent.
Toronto will be looking to bring back more pride to the team in a difficult year having been accused of not playing hard enough, and Gudas potentially being in the lineup makes him a possible direct target of their retaliation.
Gudas returning against Toronto immediately raises the stakes for the Leafs need of intensity against Anaheim, but regardless of him playing or not, Toronto's goal will be looking for a physical re-do.
Monday night is appointment viewing and Gudas just made sure of it, and Auston Matthews will be watching how his team responds.
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