Radko Gudas’ pending suspension for hit on Auston Matthews already sparking outrage!

The fallout from Radko Gudas’ hit on Auston Matthews is already causing a storm across the hockey world.

The Anaheim Ducks veteran defenseman is scheduled to have a hearing with the National Hockey League later today, but it will take place over the phone rather than in person. Under NHL rules, that means any suspension handed down cannot exceed five games, something that has already frustrated many fans and pundits who believe the hit warrants a more severe penalty.

The incident occurred late in the second period of Thursday’s game between Anaheim and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews had just received a pass near the Ducks’ net when Gudas charged toward him. Matthews tried to avoid the contact, but Gudas extended his leg, resulting in a dangerous knee-on-knee collision that immediately sent the Leafs captain crashing to the ice in visible pain.

Matthews remained down for several moments before being helped to the locker room. Early in the third period, Toronto confirmed he would not return due to a lower-body injury and would be re-evaluated the following day.

Officials assessed Gudas a five-minute major and game misconduct for the play.

The controversy didn’t stop there. Toronto players did not immediately confront Gudas after the hit, something that has since drawn criticism from fans and commentators who felt the team should have done more to defend their captain.

Now the focus shifts to the league’s decision and whether the punishment will match the outrage surrounding the hit. Gudas is a repeat offender with a significant NHL disciplinary history: four suspensions totaling 21 games, primarily for hits to the head, slashing, and illegal checks. All previous suspensions occurred while he was a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

How many games do you think Gudas will get?