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Radko Gudas’ Punishment Has Been Handed Down

Radko Gudas, No. 3 (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

Radko Gudas, No. 3 (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

 

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety suspended Flyers‘ defenseman Radko Gudas three games for his illegal contact to the head of Senators forward Mika Zibanejad during Tuesday night‘s game in Ottawa.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the league’s decision but I accept and respect it and I’ll move on from here and prepare myself for when I return,” Gudas said in a statement released by the club.

The play occurred at the 2:06 mark in the third period of the Flyers’ 4-2 win over the Sens. Off a defensive-zone faceoff, Gudas popped Zibanejad in the face with his forearm. No penalty was called, however.

“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 NHL said in a video explaining why Gudas was given a three-game ban.

Zibanejad missed the rest of the game and Ottawa has listed him as “doubtful” for its matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.

This is the first time Gudas, who will miss games against New Jersey, Columbus and the New York Islanders, has been suspended in his four-year NHL career. He is eligible to return to the Flyers’ lineup on Dec. 10 in St. Louis.

Gudas will forfeit just about $16,000 in salary. That money goes directly to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The 25-year-old, who was acquired from Tampa Bay in the Braydon Coburn trade last season, has appeared in 22 games for the Flyers this season. He has one assist, 22 penalty minutes and a team-high 117 hits.

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