The captain of the Anaheim Ducks is ready to face the music

Normally, a regular season matchup between the Anaheim Ducks and the Toronto Maple Leafs would not garner much attention. The Ducks are on the cusp of making their first playoff appearance in years, while the Maple Leafs, not so much. But fans of both teams and the hockey media, have had tonight's game circled on the calendar for a different reason. After ending the season for Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews with a knee-on-knee hit, Ducks captain Radko Gudas is prepared to ante up and face the consequences.

"Stand behind my own mistakes. I want to address it myself."

Radko Gudas, per Zach Cavanagh

From Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune ahead of the Ducks morning skate, Gudas addressed the media about his intention of being available for the game against the Maple Leafs. Gudas did not play in the Ducks last game against the Edmonton Oilers, as he was out with a lower body injury and his status was unclear.

Credit where credit is due

Props to Gudas for standing up and saying he is ready for the game, even though he is probably not at 100 percent. The captain of the Ducks wants to face the repercussions for the Matthews injury, head on, which will hopefully deter the Maple Leafs from taking liberties with the other Ducks skaters. With the playoffs on the horizon and multiple Ducks skaters dealing with injuries, particularly Troy Terry, the team cannot afford to lose a key player.

Gudas may no longer be a premier shut down defender like he once was, as his role on the defense corps has diminished and the Ducks have won without him on the ice, but he is still the captain. Love him or hate him, Gudas will fight whoever challenges him tonight and the Maple Leafs have a bevy of candidates to choose from. Let's just hope no one else get hurts in the process.