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.