TOOTOO’S POPULARITY ON THE RISE
(By Ted Kulfan, Detroit News) — It’s not an easy job, and definitely not for everyone.When you’re the physical presence of a team, the guy who keeps opponents in check and honest, willing to throw fists at any given moment, it’s not easy. Mentally and physically it’s tough work.
But Jordin Tootoo totally embraces the role of enforcer. He’s done it and been good at it throughout his career.
“It is what it is,” Tootoo said after Tuesday’s victory over Dallas, a game in which Tootoo fought twice in the first period and revved the crowd at Joe Louis Arena. “It’s all part of the game. If you’re me, I don’t mind that part. When you’re brought in to play a certain role and bring energy, that’s kind of a telltale time to get after it for me. Mentally I just go out there and give her all I got and play for the guys. You don’t think about it (the fighting). You just show up at the rink and have a fresh mind and bring what got you here. There’s a fine line between being too high or too low. You keep an even keel mentally and keep doing the right things.”
With Dallas Drake, Brad May, Aaron Downey and Darren McCarty all long gone — before them, the likes of Bob Probert and Joe Kocur — the Red Wings have been searching for that special kind of willing fighter. Someone willing to stand up and energize the Red Wings and Joe Louis Arena when needed.
According to hockeyfights.com, the Wings have ranked last in the league in fighting majors over the last eight seasons. You have a feeling that’ll change this season.
And judging from Tootoo’s loud, positive reaction from a sold-out JLA crowds recently, you can expect an influx of “Tootoo” jerseys filling up the arena within the next few games.”Definitely it brings out muscles you never know you had and I’m sure I’ll feel it (before today’s practice),” Tootoo said. “That’s part of my game, being physical. I may not be the biggest guy out there, but I play with big heart and play for the other 25 guys in the dressing room. For me it’s about the guys on the bench and you kind of tune in with the game and focus,” he said, when asked whether he heard the reaction from frenzied Red Wings fans. “You block everything else out.”
Red Wings players, themselves, are adjusting to having a player of Tootoo’s style on the roster.
“I don’t know if we’re used to it yet,” said goalie Jimmy Howard, noting fighting Dallas’ Eric Nystrom. “We’re not really used to seeing that. But Toots goes out there and sets the tone for us, whether it’s a big hit or dropping the gloves. He’s really good at it, good at getting underneath the other team’s skin. He continued to do that (Tuesday), banging bodies. It’s great to have him on your side, that’s for sure.”
Coach Mike Babocck has continually said Tootoo will be a valuable part of the Red Wings roster, similar to what Drake brought the Wings during the 2008 Stanley Cup run, with the ability to agitate and wear down opponents, and fight.
“It sure wasn’t our intention, I just expected him to get on the forecheck,” Babcock said of Tuesday’s opening bout. “But he took it upon himself to have a couple of bouts and we don’t mind that either. He’s a guy that gives us a different dimension than what we’ve had here and when he’s out there, guys know he’s out there.”
