Fansided

Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas to serve six-game suspension

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas (3) looks on during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas (3) looks on during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas has been suspended six games for interference due to his hit on Bruins forward Austin Czarnik. 

The Philadelphia Flyers will be going into the 2016-17 NHL season a bit shorthanded on their back end. Not only is Michael Del Zotto out for four to five weeks, but now they will be without Radko Gudas. Gudas has been suspended six games by the NHL Department of Safety for his hit on Bruins forward Austin Czarnik.

This wasn’t the first preseason hit from Gudas that drew attention. He also had a late hit on Jimmy Vesey but the league decided not to suspend him. His hit on Czarnik is a different story, as it’s an incredibly late hit and it targets the head of Czarnik. Czarnik did not return to the game and could be out with an injury.

Gudas hit Czarnik well after the puck is gone. As the video notes, players without the puck are never eligible to be hit unless it’s within a small window. Gudas hit Czarnik well after the window. He is a repeated offender, which also played a role in the length of the suspension. Gudas faced a suspension back in December of 2015 for hitting Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad with an illegal check to the head.

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While Gudas is an excellent defenseman, his penchant for dirty hits is quite concerning. Last season, Gudas had the highest relative CorsiFor percentage at even strength of any Flyers defenseman. The Flyers received Gudas in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The fact of the matter is, though, that Gudas must learn to control his physical play. While his physical play is usually a good thing, he has been going over the top as of late. Expect the Flyers to call up Samuel Morin to replace Gudas for the first six games.

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