Get Away Monday...

Just a few notes before I head off to Philadelphia. Versus has the Buffalo/Philadelphia game tomorrow night. The game will also feature an in-game interview with NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly. It's the first time he's appeared on a U.S. broadcast. Then it's an early morning flight to Atlanta to meet up with the Canes on Wednesday.

Hey Rudy, like your versatility!

Tuomo Ruutu is becoming very much a fan favorite in these parts. His infectious style of play has caught everyone's fancy. His warrior-like approach to the game is something you have to admire. For a guy who showed up for his debut 12 minutes before the face-off and then proceeded to play as well as he did along with getting "sliced" for 40, and to play through it all is amazing. The 25-year-old ex-Blackhawk will now have to take his show on the road for the first time. This is where his high-energy style will really be appreciated. The Canes have taken advantage of their home ice play of late and now it's a quick road stop in Atlanta Wednesday, where "15" will have to show up. This game could be the Thrashers' last stand, and I'm sure it will be intense.

But aside from that intangible, it's  his  versatility that  is amazing.  In the three games he has played all three forward positions.  The Canes pointed to this at the time of the trade and it's appearing to be  shrewd move. They mentioned the fact that they needed a two-position player. Well, they got  a three-position player who was able to show off his skill playing with the likes of Staal and Cole. It's been good and can only get better.

Whitney to get more attention...

Ray Whitney is going to see a specialist for the "leg Injury that kept him out of Saturday's game versus the Lightning. The team has not announced any specifics but my information tells me it's an infection in his ankle. These matters are not anything  to take lightly. They did treat it last week, but it flared up during the Ranger game. There's always the chance he could play on Wednesday but it could be longer.

It takes TWO...

Trades are made with the idea of making it work for both sides. Andrew Ladd is holding up his bargain with his new team scoring two goals in his first three games. He has an excellent game yesterday in 4-1 win over Vancouver. After playing on second and third lines in his first two games he was mover up with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on the Hawks' first line yesterday.

Talk to you on Friday, I'm off to RDU.