Former Washington Capitals defenseman Radko Gudas helped his Florida Panthers advance to the Eastern Conference Final, but his celebration on the OT winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs has caused some controversy.
Former Washington Capitals and current Florida Panthers defenseman Radko Gudas took charge on Friday night, finding a step in overtime to charge to the net and set up Nick Cousins' series-winner to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs -- and his celebration raised some eyebrows.
Gudas broke up a 3-on-2 in his own end and then carried the puck up ice, charging into the offensive zone and helping to start Florida's own 3-on-2 opportunity. He crashed the crease as Cousins teed up, serving as a screen and jumping out of the way as Cousins snuck the puck past Woll to push the Panthers to the Eastern Conference Final.
After seeing the puck cross the line, Gudas appeared to linger in the crease while shouting in Leafs rookie goaltender Joseph Woll's face to celebrate the strike.
It's unclear whether or not it was intentional, but there's a division between fans who think it's poor sportsmanship and others who believe it was in the heat of the moment and moreso a reaction to the goal.
Woll had his own response that somewhat calmed the fan bases, as he explained that he did not even really notice.
"Honestly, not too sure," Woll told reporters when asked about Gudas' celebration. "Probably have to go back and watch."
Gudas, 32, has three assists through 12 games so far this postseason and had two goals and 15 assists through 72 regular-season games with the Panthers this year.He played 63 games with the Capitals in 2019-20 after being acquired for Matt Niskanen, picking up 15 points in 63 games.