dailyloe.com – Radko Gudas, the Anaheim Ducks captain, was absent from Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.
Gudas did not participate in warmups after being a full participant in the morning skate for two consecutive games. He has not played since April 20, following Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers.
Coach Joel Quenneville stated, “We’ll see,” regarding Gudas’s potential return, as the Ducks trail the best-of-7 series 2-1.
Gudas expressed that not playing in the postseason has been one of the hardest experiences of his career. He appreciated the team’s effort, saying, “They’re a very great group, they’re keeping me in the loop, and we are in this together.”
He referred to himself as a “game-time decision” and was eager to contribute during the Ducks’ playoff run. Gudas remarked, “It’s fun to be around and making it this far.”
He noted that at the season’s start, no one expected the team to reach this point, acknowledging the improvement and camaraderie within the group.
Gudas has faced injury challenges this season, participating in only five games since March 12 due to a knee-on-knee collision with Auston Matthews that resulted in a five-game suspension.
After returning on March 24, he played two games, then missed another due to injury before playing in Game 1 of the playoffs. Gudas missed the last two regular season games prior to this postseason.
He contributed 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 56 games this season and has recorded 10 points (one goal, nine assists) across 58 postseason games with multiple NHL teams.
Gudas was appointed as the Ducks’ captain on September 19, 2024. In his absence, the Ducks made one lineup change from Game 3, bringing in forward Mason M.
