When someone talks about clutch performances for the Pittsburgh Penguins, certain names are always in the mix. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Ryan Whitney, and Marc-Andre Fleury are all great candidates for these clutch performances. Wait, did I say Ryan Whitney? Only a joke folks, I promise. However, the real star of the Pittsburgh Penguins that no one has yet to credit, is number 37, Jarkko Ruutu.
Ruutu has, in the past, been criticized for his huge mouth and lack of scoring. Journalists claimed Ruutu was just a fight starter, but would never actually drop the gloves. I'll tell these critics this: Ask Darcy Tucker if he remembers a game on January 3, 2008 and if so, ask him if Jarkko Ruutu can fight.
The Penguins have recently enjoyed the kind of playoff success that only teams in the 90's regularly enjoyed. They managed to sweep the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the playoffs. Much of that success is attributed to the stellar goaltending of Marc-Andre Fleury, however if there could be a runner up MVP, Rutuu would deserve it. He scored two goals in the series, the second was the game winner and eventually series clincher.
Jarkko Ruutu does not worry about stats, or goals or assists. He plays hockey and he plays very well. Once this next series starts watch him when he's on the ice. He might keep his name off the scoresheet, but he has grit and determination to win, and that is enough for me. He performs the simple acts during the game to make the lives of the superstars easier. So when you're out shopping for a jersey this coming Christmas, pick #37, he will not let you down.
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5 months ago
Nice article, looks like the Rangers are the most likely matchup for the Pens in the 2nd round. Should be fun to see Ruutu and Avery going at it.
5 months ago
haha yes, he is so good i wish the canucks never got rid of him. They have never really been the same since they got rid of him. He's the guy who will start a fight and while he's kicking the crap out of you he's has that big grin of his on.
5 months ago
Canucks didn't get rid of him. He doesn't use an agent and just found his own "best deal" when his contract had expired. Good for him.
5 months ago
Hes a pretty good player, but he definitely wouldnt have been then MVP of that series
from 5 months ago
that's why it says "runner up" :-)
5 months ago
but even after Fleury he didnt deserve it, maybe after fleury, crosby, malkin and roberts though
5 months ago
Roberts played two games and was a -1 in those two games. Ruutu makes Crosby and Malkin's life easier. It's not all about stats
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