Well, the sheriff will be in town for the rematch between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks on Monday night, as George Parros is set to attend as animosity will surely be at a high between the clubs following Radko Gudas‘ knee-on-knee with Auston Matthews.
The original incident, that took place earlier this month when the two team met, ended Matthews’ season as the captain suffered a grade three MCL tear and quad contusion in his left leg. In the aftermath of the event, the Maple Leafs were criticized for not answering the bell, Gudas’ integrity was brought into question, as was the consistency and overall ineptitude of the Department of Player Safety.
Maple Leafs, Ducks Rematch Coming With Retribution
After their last matchup, players on the Maple Leafs noted their lack of response when their captain was taken out. Max Domi alluded to the rematch on March 30, noting that it will be a big game for the team, while some fans even called for a stronger physical response from the Maple Leafs in which they go after some of the stars on the Ducks.
“It’s on me for not responding earlier to Gudas,” said Morgan Rielly following their first matchup, a game in which rookie Easton Cowan got into a scrap later in the match. “I didn’t understand how bad he got him… but I take full responsibility for not being the first one in there or being in there quicker.”
While Nylander noted something similar, head coach Craig Berube knows the team still needs to maintain their heads while taking the Ducks on in their rematch.
“You can’t go out and do stupid things – suspensions and things like that,” said Berube. “That’s not what it’s all about. But we definitely have to go out and play a physical, hard game against that team.”
While the Maple Leafs are sure to respond in some capacity, the presence of Parros could be an interesting factor.
George Parros Backing Up Lack of DoPS Consistency
While history suggests that those donning blue and white have been held more accountable in some situations – see Jason Spezza’s knee-on-knee and Morgan Rielly’s cross check – Parros assured there is consistency across the board when it comes to the Department of Player Safety’s process in making decisions.
However, some argued the opposite, noting Gudas’ 21-game history of suspension and more the $775,000 in forfeited salary are reasons why he should have been suspended longer than five games for the hit on Matthews. This included Matthews’ agent Judd Moldaver who suggested that the DoPS itself should be suspended based on their decision around the incident involving his client.
“Players and fans deserve better,” read part of Moldaver’s statement. “The Player Safety Department should be suspended.”
Parros also noted that part of the decision-making process included the history of the player involved, as well as if there is an injury or not. Based solely on that explanation, Gudas surely should have seen more than five games.
Related: Insider Sends Clear Message to Fanbase on Matthews
Regardless, Parros continues to back his decision in the matter and will be in Anaheim to take in the game. One player that could miss the rematch, including Matthews, is Gudas who has was injured in a game last week against the Calgary Flames. His absence shouldn’t change the approach for the Maple Leafs, but could affect the level of animosity in the game.
Gudas did note that he would like to play against the Maple Leafs, also stating that he has since reached out to and apologized to Matthews for the hit. That said, players on the Maple Leafs side know that this game is still bigger than it may seem given their spot in the standings.
And, for now, it seems Parros understands that part of it as well.
