After 7 points in two games, Ruutu tossed around the lineup and chained to unfamiliar position

[jRuutu 2,467]

 

Moscow Menace, one of the teams in VHL, made the playoffs this season! In the conference semi-finals, Moscow Menace is playing against Helsinki Titans.  Before the series started, many were expecting a tight battle, and that is exactly what we have seen so far as Helsinki is leading the series 3-2.
 
One of the more interesting stories in the series is the performance of Finnish center Jarmo Ruutu who collected 7 points in the first two games,  2+3 in the first game, and a few assists in the second game. Despite a strong start from Jarmo and from the team, the series being tied 1-1, the management of Moscow Menace made a shocking decision to move Jarmo Ruutu from the center position to the winger position, the decision can seen as questionable as Jarmo Ruutu is not known as a winger, Ruutu has played large portion of his career in VHL and other leagues in the center position.

 

It must be said that the lines were changed with a few players moving around the Moscow lineup, but it is believed one of the main motivators behind the decision to change the lines was to "chain" Jarmo Ruutu. After scoring 5 points in game one against Helsinki, rumors state Jarmo had a meeting with the owners of the organization at the Moscow home arena. Jarmo, according to the rumors, demanded the home arena of Moscow to be re-named "Jarmo Ruutu Arena" as  "It is me who they are coming to watch"  was heard echoing in the hallways of Moscow Menace arena.  

 

After the lines were changed, Moscow won one game and lost two, so in terms of results the change of lines has not brought the desirable results - yet at least. When we consider the real goal behind the change of lines - chaining Jarmo Ruutu, the results can be considered successful as Ruutu has one assist in the three games. The Finnish center has his contract ending after the ongoing season, which has further added fuel to the fire as a strong playoff performance from Ruutu could mean difficult contract negotiations. Despite chaining Ruutu to an odd position, the seven points in two games suggest the Finnish center could have the potential to be a clutch player in VHL.

 

Despite the series being far from over, many followers online have also started to question the decision to change lines after a strong win and a tight loss with the last goal being scored into the empty net. Changing the name of the arena to "Jarmo Ruutu Arena" seems a relatively cheap price to pay for playoff success, especially as nowadays different sponsors have their brands play a part in the names of buildings and competitions.

 

As the series is currently 3-2 for Helsinki, Moscow Menace has their backs against the wall. As we have seen in the playoffs, anything can happen. Can Moscow force the series to game seven? Is Ruutu going to show up to game six and carry the organization on his humble shoulders? Is the Moscow Menace home arena going to be renamed? Soon we will have the answers.

[Spartan 4,408]

If we win game 6 and 7, I'll have next season's simmer rename our arena to Jarmo Ruutu Arena

[Beketov 9,033]

30 minutes ago, Spartan said:

If we win game 6 and 7, I'll have next season's simmer rename our arena to Jarmo Ruutu Arena

Mikko Lahtinen Arena, gotcha.

[Spartan 4,408]

Just now, Beketov said:

Mikko Lahtinen Arena, gotcha.

You were the simmer, could have changed it

[Spartan 4,408]

One more game