The Anaheim Ducks have lost three of their last four games, but still sit at first in the Pacific Division with just a one-point advantage over the Edmonton Oilers. The Pacific race is tight, so the team will need to get back on track and earn regulation wins quickly to remain the division leaders.
Many things are happening outside of the game, too. Chatter is buzzing surrounding Radko Gudas, long-time broadcaster Steve Carroll will be retiring, and there are a handful of injuries and healthy scratches to be discussed. Let’s take a look at some more details in this week’s edition of Ducks News & Rumors.
Gudas Suspended Five Games
The team’s captain is making waves in the hockey world with his recent five-game suspension after a knee-on-knee hit that rendered Auston Matthews out for the remainder of the season with a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion. Gudas had an over-the-phone hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety and was given the maximum suspension for phone hearings.
The hockey world is divided on Gudas’ hit and the disciplinary outcome. Judd Moldaver, Matthews’ agent, was “disappointed and shocked” by the discipline, which he feels is too light. He spoke to ESPN, saying, “While the hearing process is pre-fixed in our CBA, that there was no further discipline is a reckless and ridiculous position for Player Safety. This decision results in a further loss of confidence in the disciplinary process for all players. Players and fans deserve better. The Player Safety Department should be suspended.”
Others feel that it was a clean hit or the result of an accident. George Parros, the head of the Department of Player Safety, indicated that he “[feels] confident in this decision,” adding, “We came to it for good reason. When we evaluate these plays, we look at the play, not the players. And when we determine if this is play is worthy of supplemental discipline, we then look at the history of the players involved and if there’s an injury or not…We did this and made the decision under those circumstances, felt that this was the appropriate response, and we stand by it.”
Gudas will be able to return on March 24 when the team visits the Vancouver Canucks.
Steve Carroll to Retire
Carroll has been the radio voice of the Ducks for the last 27 seasons and has spent a total of 50 years as a play-by-play announcer. His calls have followed the team through ups and downs, numerous coaching and personnel changes, and a Stanley Cup victory. He was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame earlier this year as a tribute to his dedication and talent.
“It’s been an honor to call games for the Anaheim Ducks and be a part of the franchise for so many years,” said the broadcaster. “I am grateful to the Samueli family and the entire staff for their friendship, and the incredible fans for all their support over the years.“
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He spent 2,165 games with the Ducks and is well-loved and respected by the organization. “Steve’s voice and calls captured the excitement, drama, and emotion of our games in a way that connected generations of fans,” said Ducks Club President Aaron Teats.
He continued, “Steve has represented our organization with tremendous class, professionalism, and passion for nearly 30 years. We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary commitment to the Ducks and the impact he has made on us and our community of fans. We wish Steve and his family well in retirement.” Carroll’s last broadcast will be on April 12 during the team’s final regular-season home game.
Injury Updates and Healthy Scratches
The Ducks currently have two injured players in goaltender Petr Mrazek and forward Ross Johnston. Mrazek will not return this season, as he underwent hip surgery on Tuesday, per ESPN. Expect to see even more of Lukas Dostal, who continues to be backed up by Ville Husso. Johnston will be out three to four weeks with a lower-body injury. Frank Vatrano, Tim Washe, and Jansen Harkins have been filling in the fourth line in his absence.
Mason McTavish was healthy-scratched two games in a row after Troy Terry returned. McTavish, 23, has 32 points this season (13 goals, 19 assists), but has tallied just two total points across February and March. His production has faltered significantly since last season, when he finished with 52 points in 76 games. After the team’s loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night, we may see McTavish in the lineup again soon. Head coach Joel Quenneville tends to restructure his lineups after a loss.
The Ducks visit the Utah Mammoth on Friday before returning home to take on the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. Keep your eyes on The Hockey Writers for all things Ducks and beyond as the season continues.
