Radko Gudas is out for Joel Quenneville’s Ducks, and Kris Knoblauch’s Oilers are getting ready for a different challenge tonight at Rogers Place.
This shifts things for Edmonton right away. Gudas didn’t warm up before the game against the Oilers and was spotted wearing a walking boot after he got hurt on his lower body in Calgary on Thursday.
For the Oilers, it’s not just about one missing defender from the Ducks. It means Anaheim will be without its captain and one of the key players who typically helps on defense when the game gets intense.
This is important because this match matters a lot in the Pacific division. As of Saturday, Anaheim had a record of 37 wins, 27 losses, and 4 overtime losses, while Edmonton stood at 34 wins, 27 losses, and 9 overtime losses, giving them a chance to close the gap while playing at home.
Knoblauch’s team is coming off a strong performance through Vegas and Utah. OilersNation pointed out that Edmonton earned all 4 possible points during that trip, making this afternoon game more exciting than a typical late-March matchup.
Without Gudas, Quenneville is missing a skilled veteran defender who plays tough minutes and brings intensity around the net. This is important because facing an Oilers team that attacks continuously is a significant change for the lineup.
It also takes away one of the Ducks’ most physical players who can challenge Edmonton’s top attackers. Even when Gudas isn’t scoring, he affects space, how they retrieve pucks, and the team’s energy on the bench.
Edmonton needs to take advantage of this chance.
Radko Gudas is not taking warmup in Edmonton and won’t play against the Oilers.
Here is video of the injury he suffered Thursday in Calgary. He was seen in a walking boot today.
The Ducks’ next game is Monday at home against Toronto, and there is an intense spotlight on this… pic.twitter.com/7NG8XHZGOU
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 28, 2026
This is where the Oilers’ strategy really kicks in. Edmonton has a power play success rate of 30.7 percent, and a weaker Ducks defense will be in the spotlight when McDavid and Bouchard start making plays.
Even with some missing players on defense, Anaheim can still be a threat. The Ducks have won 5 out of their last 6 games and have a reputation for staying in the game until late mistakes lead to goals.
That’s why Edmonton shouldn’t just think they will win because Gudas is out. The Ducks have won 17 out of 21 games that went into overtime or a shootout, so they’re really good at picking up points when other teams don’t play well.
However, for the Oilers, this is an opportunity they need to take advantage of. A rival team is coming in missing their captain, isn’t playing as tough, and has some injured players on defense.
If Edmonton wants this game to mean more than just one day at Rogers Place, they need to start strong. They can’t play around with the puck. They shouldn’t wait until the third period to step it up.
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