NJ.com · Dec 17, 2015
Greetings from the press box: Tuomo Ruutu hits re-start on his Devils season
NEWARK — For most players, there is no grace period in the NHL. Tuomo Ruutu knows that he has to perform well in his first game since Oct. 16 even though the Devils' winger has missed the last 27 games with a fractured right foot.
Ruutu returns to the lineup Thursday night against the Florida Panthers at Prudential Center, skating at left wing on the fourth line with Stephen Gionta and Jordin Tootoo.
"A lot of it is mental. Go in the corner, take a hit, give a hit and get emotional. I think once I get emotional I don't have to think about it. That's the way I play my best games," Ruutu said after the morning skate.