Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
With Auston Matthews on the shelf thanks to a Radko Gudas hit, the Toronto Maple Leafs are seeking vengeance by any means necessary but won’t even get the chance if he’s unable to come back from injury — a bit of karmic justice if anything.
It’s no secret that Radko Gudas is what you’d call a ‘less than polite’ player. With multiple suspensions, a mean streak a mile long and a history of injuring players, he often garners the ire of fans and his conduct is pretty unbecoming of a captain.
He took out a fellow captain in Auston Matthews. Not to dinner no, but took him out of the lineup and placed him firmly on the shelf with a torn MCL. Matthews will have a lot of time to reflect meanwhile Gudas served his punishment and is back.
The Maple Leafs were ready to make a vengeful statement and no Gudas will prevent that
According to a new report from Jake Kirby of FPTrack, Gudas has suffered a lower-body injury vs. Calgary and is undergoing further evaluation which puts his status for future games in jeopardy.
That’s bad news for the Maple Leafs if they wanted to seek revenge, considering that he might not be available for when the two teams play on March 30. The team has played with a lot more fire recently and knowing that the Ducks were coming up, a few guys are probably hoping Gudas does decide to skate.
What Monday means for Toronto if Gudas is unavailable
Well, if Gudas is not in the mix then it’s time to shift focus. We’re not saying to cripple Bennett Sennecke; heavens no. But it’s time to start getting in everyone’s faces, laying in harder hits, and not taking any guff from anyone.
As odd as this sounds, Toronto needs to win. Not only for Matthews but to keep Boston’s chances at a good pick away. If they win against St. Louis on Saturday and then beat Anaheim, that puts them at 79 points.
Vegas are 19th right now with the same amount of points, and Toronto can really stick it to Boston by giving them as little to work with as possible. Besides, if the Maple Leafs are still in the lottery…they could still luck out with a top-five pick.
The playoffs are lost, sure. But there’s still a way Toronto can salvage things as best they can. Coming into Anaheim will have high expectations, but if anything the team needs to get a win for their fallen leader at the very least.
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The Maple Leafs built Monday around getting back at Gudas and now he may not even be in the building
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