Ducks’ Gudas out for Game 2 against Oilers

As seen during the line rushes at morning skate, defender Drew Hellesson will draw into the lineup for the first time in the series, taking Gudas’ place on the third pair alongside Tyson Hinds.

While the reason for Gudas’ absence for the second game of the series remains unclear, the veteran rearguard missed several games in the closing weeks of the regular season due to injury. The Czech blueliner was out of action for 13 of the Ducks’ last 17 games due to a lower-body injury.

Gudas was in the lineup for Game 1 of the series against the Oilers. However, he was limited to just 9:40 of ice time across 14 shifts. He finished the game with a plus/minus of -1, as a stumble by the 35-year-old led to Jason Dickinson’s game-tying goal. Edmonton would get a late goal from Kasperi Kapanen to steal a 4-3 victory.

In the regular season, Gudas appeared in 56 games, scoring two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. He registered a rating of -2 while averaging 16:11 of ice time.

Helleson will be appearing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in his young career. The 25-year-old was in his first full season with the Ducks, scoring two goals and 13 assists for 15 points in 60 games, with a -4 rating whilst logging just under 17 minutes of ice time per game. In 119 career games with Anaheim, Helleson has notched seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points.

Puck drop between the Ducks and Oilers is scheduled for a little after 10 p.m. ET.