Radko Gudas is expected to miss the game, and is set to be replaced by Drew Helleson, Oilersnation’s Jason Gregor reported.

Gudas is banged up and won’t play tonight. Drew Helleson draws in on Ducks third pair.

Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said Gudas was considered day-to-day, but what ails the rugged blue liner wasn’t revealed.

Gudas, 35, appeared in 56 games for the Ducks this season, scoring two goals and 13 points averaging 16:10 in ice time. Anaheim was outscored 36-32 with him on the ice at five-on-five.

In Game 1, Gudas played just 9:40, six and a half minutes below his regular season average. He missed time down the stretch run of Anaheim’s season, absent from the lineup in seven of their final eight games due to a lower-body injury and missed time earlier in the year, as well.

Helleson, 25, appeared in 60 regular season games for the Ducks this year, scoring two goals and 15 points, and will slide into Anaheim’s lineup on the third pairing alongside Tyson Hinds. In 900 five-on-five minutes this season, the Ducks were outscored 47-40, controlling just 46.2 per cent of the expected goal share, according to Natural Stat Trick. Wednesday’s Game 2 will mark his playoff debut.

“Drew played some nice games for us down the stretch here,” said Quennville. “Drew’s had some good moments for us, gives us some quickness, some size. We just want him to be consistent, be predictable.”

The Oilers have some lineup changes of their own, with Josh Samanski drawing into the lineup as the fourth-line centre to replace the injured Henrique. Jason Dickinson didn’t participate in Wednesday’s morning skate, and is considered a game-time decision. Curtis Lazar skated on the Oilers’ third line in his spot.

Puck drop between the two teams is set for just after 8 p.m. MT.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.OIL UP: THE OILERSNATION PLAYOFF COLLECTION IS HEREEdmonton, the playoffs are calling—and it’s time to answer. We are so back, and Oilersnation is ready with the OIL UP playoff collection, available now. From tees and hoodies to hats built for every game-day fit, this drop has everything you need all postseason long. Whether you’re heading to a watch party, the rink, or setting up camp in front of the TV, consider this your official playoff uniform. Don’t wait—gear up before puck drop. Shop the full collection now at nationgear.ca