How the captain of the Ducks became the most hated player in Canada

In a game that featured plenty of drama, Team Czechia nearly beat the powerhouse of Team Canada in the quarterfinal matchup, losing 4-3 in overtime, at the 2026 Winter Olympics. While Canada can exhale a sigh of relief after nearly being ousted before the medal rounds even began, the status of their captain is up in the air. Anaheim Ducks captain and Czechia alternate captain, Radko Gudas, delivered a hit to Sidney Crosby, which knocked Canada's captain out of the game, and made Gudas the most hated player in Canada.

Anatomy of the hit

During the second period of the game, Crosby was skating up ice with the puck towards the red line, when Gudas went to deliver a hit. At the last second, Crosby appeared to have ducked to avoid getting hit up high and Gudas followed through. The reaction by Crosby, plus the weight of Gudas, bent Crosby's leg at an awkward angle. Even though Crosby finished the rest of his shift, he soon exited the game and did not return.

Dirty or not?

Gudas was not penalized for the hit on Crosby and for what it's worth, Gudas did seem to offer up some remorse, after the game.

Obviously, some Canadian fans were angry and rightfully so. Gudas is a physical defenseman and has had a penchant for delivering big hits.

Some are clean.

And some are not.

Gudas has been suspended multiple times throughout his career, and the perception of his dirty play never truly washed away.

Pound of flesh

The Anaheim Ducks and the Pittsburg Penguins will not play against each other this season, barring a Stanley Cup Final matchup. Unless a trade occurs, the Penguins and their fans will have to wait until next season to exact revenge for the Gudas hit on Crosby. However, any of Crosby's Canadian teammates can still challenge Gudas this regular season, as Canada's lineup was composed of many Western Conference skaters.

In one of the most anticipated hockey games from the quarterfinals and set to the backdrop of national pride, Gudas' hit on Crosby will be analyzed, freeze framed, and talked about for weeks, if not longer.