Ducks' Gudas will play vs. Leafs: Want to 'address it myself'

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas will play Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite recent uncertainty about his status due to a lower-body injury.

Gudas explained that his motivation to play against the Maple Leafs stems from a desire to "stand behind my own mistakes" and "address it myself," according to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel.

During the last meeting between the two clubs on March 12, Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to star Auston Matthews, ending the Leafs captain's season and resulting in a five-game suspension for the blue-liner.

Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear on the play, and Gudas later said he felt terrible about hurting Matthews. However, Matthews' agent, along with several Maple Leafs, argued that five games wasn't a long enough suspension for the 35-year-old.

Gudas was reportedly seen in a walking boot after sustaining an injury Thursday and sat out Anaheim's contest against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday because of the issue.

Motivated by heavy criticism for not responding to Gudas' hit in the moment, the Maple Leafs made sure to circle Monday's rematch with the Ducks on the calendar.

"I hope very fired up," said Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe on what he expects from his team, per Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "A large chunk of us are going to be back here next year, and you need to continue to build bonds with your teammates and not leaving your buddy out to dry."

George Parros, the head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, will be in attendance for Monday's game with plenty of physicality expected, according to David Alter of The Hockey News.