Radko Gudas is confirmed to play tonight against the Maple Leafs and the NHL sent Parros to watch it happen
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
With George Parros keeping a close eye on things, Radko Gudas is going to make sure that if anything happens that he's right in the middle. Despite being in a walking boot two days ago, he's slotted to face the Maple Leafs in a highly anticipated rematch.
After Radko Gudas injured Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs had been waiting for their chance at revenge. Although that was put into jeopardy by Gudas' injury last Thursday, he's ready to go.
48 Hours Later: From walking boot to walking into the arena, Radko Gudas is ready for Toronto
According to the Ducks captain, he's ready to face whatever is about to come although his words do come with a tinge of remorse as he told The Athletic's Jonas Siegel:
I stand behind my own mistakes. I want to address it myself.
Gudas will have a huge bullseye on his back tonight as Toronto heads to Anaheim, and it feels like regardless of if Parros is in the building to monitor the situation — if Gudas is playing there are going to be a bunch of fireworks.
There's going to be an air of tension all night and until the puck drops we won't know the mentality of either Gudas or the Maple Leafs however they need to show a lot more than some extra fire.
The NHL sent George Parros to Anaheim to monitor the situation because of the expected fireworks
It's not typical to see the Head of Player Safety coming into a random Monday game but the league isn't taking any chances. It almost feels like Parros is ready to issue suspensions as soon as the puck hits the ice, and will be extra keen to see who he can discipline.
With the Maple Leafs facing elimination from the postseason race with a loss against Anaheim in regulation, they might not want to risk losing out any playing for their pride.
But that pride should also come in the form of an active response against Gudas, and we know that a guy like Easton Cowan won't be afraid to step in now.
Toronto doesn't need to walk on eggshells with Parros in the building because sticking up for your captain means more than a useless win.
Gudas is going to have an appointment at centre ice with someone, and though Parros is keeping an eye out — Toronto can't and definitely shouldn't care.
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