The Edmonton Oilers are worried about their own game, but they might have caught a small break on Wednesday, as defenseman Radko Gudas will not be in the Game 2 lineup for the Anaheim Ducks. For Edmonton, one player doesn’t make or break a game’s outcome, but Gudas being out is one less big guy gunning for the Oilers’ elite stars.
Defenseman Drew Hellesson will draw into the lineup for the first time in the series, taking Gudas’ place on the third pair alongside Tyson Hinds.
It is unclear what Gudas will be sidelined, but the Oilers did try to get in his face on Monday, running him whenever they got the opportunity. The aggressor before Gudas could take aim at the Oilers; the strategy might have played a role in his absence. Gudas missed several games toward the end of the regular season due to injury. He was out of action for 13 of the Ducks’ last 17 games due to a lower-body injury.
Gudas isn’t the most effective defenseman, but he often makes his presence known. One of the key storylines of the season was his hit on Auston Matthews which took the Toronto Maple Leafs captain out of the lineup and sidelined him for the rest of the season. Coming into the series, there was some concern that Gudas might try to take a run at Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. He won’t get the chance if he’s not in the lineup.
Other Game 2 Notes:
The Oilers might be without Jason Dickinson, who is a game-time decision. He did not skate at the morning practice and might be nursing a nagging issue. Dickinson scored two goals for the Oilers in Game 1.
Next: Dickinson Not on Ice for Oilers, Updated Status for Game 2
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