For the first time, Tuomo Ruutu will be the assistant coach of the Florida Panthers.
The Florida Panthers scored the most points in the regular season and won the Presidents´ Trophy.
The Panthers played offensive hockey and it was reflected in the number of goals. Florida scored 340 goals, the highest in the series.
– The players have been committed, have been able to perform at a really high level, and have not come terribly past the games. That’s why the regular season went well, Panthers’ assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu said.
The Panthers will face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs. The first encounter between the teams will be Finnish time on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.
– Of course, everything starts from scratch, Ruutu said.
The story continues after the picture.
Tuomo Ruutu is currently coaching in the NHL. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
“It’s easier to coach on a winning team”
Ruutu, 39, will serve for the first time in the Panthers coaching team.
Prior to the Panthers, he worked as an assistant coach for the Finnish national under-20 team and as a development coach for the New York Rangers.
The Young Lions won World Cup gold in 2018.
– Good spirit, experienced, good friends next door, learn a lot every day. It is always easier to coach on a winning team. Now the real challenges begin, Ruutu comments on the Florida coaching team.
Captain Aleksander Barkov has also been the leader of the Panthers this season.
Barkov, 26, made 67 points in the regular season with power points 39 + 49 = 88. Opponents and playmates voted him the second most comprehensive player in the entire NHL.
Barkov’s vote above was only for Boston Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron.
– He (Barkov) is the leader of this team and plays every night against the best fields of the opponent and takes the team forward. Bring out all his skills and above all the example of work every day in exercises and games, Ruutu praised.
Ruutu played in his own career in the NHL for 12 seasons and a total of 735 regular season matches at 146 + 200 = 346. In his career, Ruutu represented Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils.
In his career, he won World Championship gold and World Championship silver in the Lions shirt. There are also two Olympic bronzes and the Finnish championship in the prize cabinet.
Aleksander Barkov scored 39 goals in the regular season. AOP / USA Today Sports