Red Wings Raymond Ready to Face Prison Rules Gudas

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond is not unfamiliar with the antics of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Over the years, the Detroit winger and the Ducks defenseman found themselves squaring off frequently during the time that Gudas was with the Florida Panthers, Atlantic Division rivals of the Red Wings.

“He plays very tough, very hard,” Raymond told Swedish website Expressen.se. “Physically.”

The two combatants will be squaring off again in Saturday’s IIHF World Championship semifinals, as Raymond’s unbeaten Swedish club clashes with Gudas and the host nation of Czechia.

Here’s Radko Gudas attempting to choke out Brady Tkachuk for your Thursday afternoon. #MensWorldspic.twitter.com/XyuGKEgdt3

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) May 23, 2024

Raymond recognizes that Gudas brings a virtual double-edged sword to the ice for his team. His unyielding physical punishment keeps opponents on their toes, while certainly providing an edge to his own squad.

“It’s mixed feelings,” Raymond admitted. “But he is a good player who helps his team.”

Raymond Saw What Gudas Did Against USA

As Czechia was blanking the USA 1-0 in the quarterfinals, Guas was waging a personal battle with USA captain Brady Tkachuk. Afterward, Tkachuk was acknowledging the competitiveness of Gudas, tipping his hat to his Czech opponent.

“We are both players who play hard in front of goal,” Tkachuk told Expressen. “Two players who want a real fight. Gudas should have all the credit because he did well.”

Gudas was smiling when told by the Czech media of Tkachuk’s comments.

A budding friendship
Brady Tkachuk
& Radko Gudas #GoSensGo #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/w7GaW3UdOw

— hockeyfights (@hockeyfights) May 24, 2024

“Brady is a good guy, but out on the ice you have no friends,” Gudas said. “He has already threatened me that we will fight this winter.”

Those who know Gudas the best are expecting that the 33-year-old defenseman will be an equally menacing presence against Sweden’s top players.

“He doesn’t care if he rips off your head or your legs,” Colorado Avalanche Czech goalie Pavel Francouz told Czech website isport.blsk.cz. “Gudas plays by the prison rules.”