“We’ll see,” coach Joel Quenneville said after the morning skate when asked if Gudas will be in the lineup with the Ducks trailing the best-of-7 series 2-1.
Gudas, a defenseman and the Ducks captain, was a full participant at the morning skate for the second straight game and took line rushes on a defense pair with rookie Tyson Hinds. He has not played since Game 1 of the first round against the Edmonton Oilers on April 20.
“It’s been one of the hardest experiences of my career,” Gudas said. “But you know, the guys are battling for each other. They’re a very great group, they’re keeping me in the loop, and we are in this together.”
He called himself a “game-time decision” and sounded thrilled to have a chance to get back during the Ducks’ surprising run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“It’s fun to be around and making it this far,” Gudas said. “At the start of the year, I don’t think anyone would’ve guessed anything like that, even the start of the playoffs. We’re getting better every day and enjoying each other’s company out there.”
Gudas has played five games since March 12, when he was involved in a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who sustained a Grade 3 MCL sprain and missed the rest of the regular season. Gudas was suspended five games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for kneeing.
He returned March 24, played two games, missed a game against the Oilers on March 28, played on March 30 against the Maple Leafs, then missed five more games before returning on April 12 against the Vancouver Canucks. Gudas missed the final two games of the regular season before playing Game 1 of the first round.
Gudas, who played for Team Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 56 games this season, and has 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 58 postseason games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers and the Ducks.
He was named Anaheim captain on Sept. 19, 2024.
If Gudas plays, he won’t be the Ducks’ only lineup change from Game 3; forward Mason McTavish, a healthy scratch the past two games, will play.
He could be a big boost for a power play that is 0-for-11 with a short-handed goal against through the first three games. McTavish had six power-play goals and 11 power-play points in the regular season and has two power-play assists in the playoffs.
“I think we have to look to shoot more (on the power play),” McTavish said, “especially maybe from the top to get some one-timers and some better screens.
“I think the biggest thing is just getting those second chances. I think we’re doing a really good job getting in there and getting set up and getting a shot, but just sustain that, that pressure, and tire them out.”
McTavish said if Gudas returns, it would also provide a big boost to the Ducks.
“He’s our guy, he’s the best guy ever and plays so hard,” McTavish said. “He’s never fun to play against, even practicing, he’s no fun. So, I’m sure he’ll be throwing his body around and winning his battles.”
