BRIEF: Ruutu plays down homecoming narrative

by Joe Boughner (@McLlwainsWorld)

@Gerv_Rebrand had this file photo of
Ruutu on hand, for some reason

OTTAWA - Former Ottawa Senators forward Jarkko Ruutu makes his long awaited return to Ottawa tonight but the noted pest doesn't think he should be part of tonight's game story.

"I'm Tuomo, you idiot, not Jarkko," the veteran Finn said with a notable tone of exasperation at the question.

That Ruutu wants to downplay the return to face his former team is no surprise to former teammate and fellow grinder Chris Neil.

"Jarkko retired, man. This is his kid brother," Neil said, pretending to be annoyed with the line of questioning.

"For crying out loud, they don't even play the same style of hockey at all."

A grinding depth forward most of his career, Ruutu has seen a bit of an unexpected rebirth as a skilled player and shootout specialist since joining the Devils.

And at least one fan wasn't buying his newfound humility as he prepared to meet his old mates.

"Get out of here, sir," the fan said. "I'm telling you for the last time you aren't authorized to be here."

The Devils are 2-3-1 out of the gate to start the season. The puck drops at 7:30 pm.