The NHL has come down on Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas, suspending him three games for Tuesday night’s headshot on Ottawa forward Mika Zibanejad.
“By lunging upward and delivering the blow with his extended forearm instead of his shoulder or chest, Gudas makes the head the main point of contact on a hit where the head was avoidable,” the Department of Player Safety explained.
The incident, which went unpenalized, forced Zibanejad from the contest. He’s currently listed as “doubtful” for Ottawa’s game tomorrow against Chicago.
As for Gudas, he’ll now sit out Philly’s upcoming games against Columbus (Dec. 4), Columbus (Dec. 5) and the New York Islanders (Dec. 8). He’s eligible to return to the lineup next Thursday, when the Flyers take on the Blues in St. Louis.
Gudas will also forfeit $15,994.62 in salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.