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?