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Radko Gudas may play Tuesday after suspension ends

MONTREAL - Although Flyers coach Dave Hakstol wouldn't confirm it, Radko Gudas is expected to return to the Flyers' lineup Tuesday against Buffalo at the Wells Fargo Center.

MONTREAL - Although Flyers coach Dave Hakstol wouldn't confirm it, Radko Gudas is expected to return to the Flyers' lineup Tuesday against Buffalo at the Wells Fargo Center.

Gudas missed six games after being suspended by the league for a hit to the head of Boston rookie Austin Czarnik during an exhibition game. He served the final game of his suspension Monday.

The burly defenseman has been counting down the days before he can return.

"It feels like forever," he said after skating with his teammates Monday morning as they prepared to face the Canadiens that night.

Gudas has been traveling and working out with the team during his suspension.

"I think I'm ready," he said. "I feel confident in my conditioning and skill level, so I'm looking forward to getting back in there. I went to get back in game shape as soon as possible."

Hakstol said Gudas "obviously brings an element" because of his physical style of play. "If he is back in the lineup [Tuesday] - as with any player who has been away, whether it be for an injury or other reason - you have to keep your game simple" when you return.

If Gudas returns, Nick Schultz could be the defenseman who sits, although he has been a solid performer. Entering Monday, Schultz was plus-2 and led the Flyers with 13 blocked shots.

Andrew MacDonald is also a candidate to sit.

Brandon Manning, who began the season as the No. 6 defenseman, has played extremely well and has been perhaps the team's most pleasant surprise. It would be a major surprise if Manning was benched.

Manning entered Monday with a goal and three assists, and he topped the team with a plus-5 rating and 19 hits.

"It will be a tough decision, no question, if we're healthy," Hakstol said on deciding who sits.

When Gudas is in the lineup, opponents may not be as physical with Flyers rookie left winger Travis Konecny.

That said, Gudas knows he will be watched closely by officials because of his reputation.

"I think they've been looking at me since Day 1 that I got here," he said. "I've got to make sure I don't give them the opportunity to make that call again."

Breakaways

On Tuesday, goalie Michal Neuvirth is expected to face Anders Nilsson, who will make his Buffalo debut because starter Robin Lehner is ill. . . . Dale Weise, who sat out the second game of his three-game suspension Monday, was disappointed not to face his former team, Montreal. "But we play here again in two weeks, so I don't have to wait long," he said.