The NHL handed Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas a six-game suspension for his hit on Austin Czarnik of the Boston Bruins.
As a repeat offender, Gudas will lose $245,121.95 thanks to this six-game suspension.
That hit came soon after he avoided a suspension for another questionable preseason hit. Here’s the league’s video explanation for the decision:
So far, reactions range from the punishment being a “good start” to something that won’t register enough with the frequent hitter. Most believe that his run-ins with the league’s disciplinarians are far from over, however.
His history of violence
If the Department of Player Safety had a speed dial list of regulars, Gudas would have a prominent spot on it. He’s actually dodged quite a few disciplinary bullets in a short period of time.
- Just this month, he avoided a hearing for a questionable hit on Jimmy Vesey (which at least got him ejected).
- In late March, Gudas avoided additional discipline for a check on Shane Doan.
- He dodged another bullet for his check on Bobby Farnham in February. The Flyers gave him a talking to about the hits in February, as well ... after he avoided another hearing for a hit.
- Actually, there was another incident in February that didn’t result in a suspension. Sheesh.
- He did get a three-game suspension for a hit on Mika Zibanejad in December 2015, though.
- Gudas survived run-ins during his Tampa Bay Lightning days, too.
Back during his astounding month of February, Gudas said “I can’t be doing this on the ice” ... and then kept doing the same things, over and over again.
The Flyers actions haven’t always matched their words considering the contract extension they handed him in June.
Maybe a more severe punishment will get through to the rugged defenseman?