Gudas spent three memorable and successful seasons in South Florida, but his final lasting memory might be the best one of all
Let’s be honest, it was delightfully shocking when the Panthers took a 3-0 series lead against the heavily favored Toronto Maple Leafs during round two of last year's playoffs.
When Sam Reinhart scored in overtime to win Game 3, Florida’s first postseason OT victory on home ice since 1996, it felt like demons were being exorcised.
In the deciding game, which turned out to be Game 5, the Panthers came out smoking, jumping on Toronto and taking a 2-0 first period lead.
The hometown Leafs gave their fans something to get excited for when they clawed their way back though, and it was a gorgeous shot by William Nylander that tied the game with under five minutes to go.
We all know how this story ends, but it’s not the end-to-end goal by Nick Cousins late in the first overtime that is being highlighted in this post.
It’s what happened immediately after Cousins scored.
Did you notice it at first?
Radko Gudas, beloved, and sadly now former Panthers defensemen, took the opportunity after watching Cousins’ shot sail past Toronto Goaltender Joseph Woll, to celebrate in a rather unique way.
He got about an inch away from Woll’s goalie helmet and appeared to let out a massive “wooooooo!”
It was an interesting way to celebrate, but Gudas is an interesting guy.
The photo of the celly, the snapshot of the moment, was so much worse than seeing it happen in real time.
It’s one of those ‘so bad it’s good’ situations.
So good it ended up on the front page of the Toronto Star the next morning.
To his credit, Woll shook it off like a true goaltender.
Gudas spent three seasons with the Panthers, growing into one of the leagues most consistent blueliners while remaining as feared as always.
He signed with Florida back in 2020 for three years, $7.5 million.
After three seasons rejuvenating his career with the Panthers, Gudas, now 33 years old, earned a three-year deal with Anaheim worth $12 million.
A well-deserved raise for the veteran. It’s a shame, from a Panthers perspective, that he played so well in South Florida that he priced himself out of their cap range.
But it’s nice that he left the Panthers faithful that loved him so dearly with a parting shot that should prove everlasting.
Godspeed in Anaheim, Radko.