Canes forward Tuomo Ruutu said today that he has called Darcy Tucker of the Colorado Avalanche and apologized for the hit from behind that left Tucker with a concussion.
Ruutu was suspended for three games by the NHL for the hit in Friday's game in Denver.
"It was a bad hit by me," Ruutu said. "I wasn't really worried about the suspension. I was worried about the guy.
"It looked pretty bad. It just happened. I think he's doing better. I'm so sorry about what happened but everything happened so quickly.
"I wish I could get it back but I can't."
Tucker went face-first into the glass. Knocked unconscious, he was removed from the ice on a backboard and taken to a hospital for treatment and for stitches. He was released from the hospital on Saturday, but his return to action is uncertain.
"I'm happy that nothing really serious happened," Ruutu said. "I talked to him and I was glad to hear that he was doing better. He was really good to me and that makes me feel a little better."
Ruutu said the suspension did not surprise him, that he sensed the league would "send a message."
"It is what it is," he said. "They make the decision and I'm fine with it."
Ruutu noted that it was his first suspension, and also said the result of the big hit would not change his style of play. He's always been a physical player who finishes hie checks and will continue to be that kind of player, he said.
"I think that's why I'm in the NHL ... and not playing somewhere in Europe," Ruutu said. "That's the way i play. I mean, it just happened quickly.
"I'll just try to move on and be a little more careful in the future."
Added Canes coach Paul Maurice: "He can't come off it. It's a big part of what he does."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Isn't Tucker a punk
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 21:47 — greenplanetIsn't Tucker a punk instigator? Maybe my memory is bad. The hit wasn't bad, just hard. Unlike many hits tucker has laid if memory serves. So he was 6" of the glass? and ruutu nailed him. ha. the reason he's ok is it wasn't boarding. he was getting checked. and he got checked. GO CANES!!!!!
Welcome Furbish
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 19:10 — esteban1949And i would agree with most of what you had to say but one thing...John Forslund also does a few games for Verses as he did one last week...and ues Both he and tripp are " employed by the Canes" so and understandably...they would lean more towards glossing over some things from time to time...But if you ever hear a game on 99.9 the fan there in the triangle area...Chuck K who does the play by play for the Canes...who is alos a hall of famer in the broadcasting...and trust me he aint afraid to tell it like it is...and in closing many of us here Love Hockey too...myself i have been in love with hockey for over 55 years...c you around...
Go Canes !!
A Class act by
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 14:16 — esteban1949Tuomo Ruutu...he did all he can do...but hits like that as well as harsh & angry words are like a bullit from a gun...once fired...you can't take them back...Go show Ruutu...goos show in your willingness to call and apologize to the man...
Go Canes !!
!
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 16:12 — FurbishLousewartYou said it, esteban. I'm a new hockey fan, but I love how hockey is, despite being the only sport that allows fighting, probably the nicest sport.
I mean just when you're watching Canes games, you've obviously got the biased broadcasters Tracy and Forslund, because they only announce Canes games. Yet they always talk to the other team and they always wish them luck.
And then outside of games you've got stuff like this. Just a really sincere guy who meant no harm and calls to apologize.
I love hockey!