Jordin Tootoo Is Hungry for More Playoff Success

How do you follow up an impressive playoff performance in 2010-11? For Jordin Tootoo, it’s come in the form of an equally strong showing in the 2011-12 NHL regular season.

After scoring one goal, along with six points and utilizing his trademark physical style over 12 post-season games for the Nashville Predators last year, Tootoo, drawing closer to 500 games of NHL service, made sure he kept the momentum going into the current campaign.

“When I came into training camp this year, I was focused and ready to step up my game,” said the 98th overall selection by the Predators in 2001. “I was committed to taking certain steps to be a professional away from the game and that’s one area I really worked on. I’ve had to deal with different situations throughout my career and I came in to camp in the right state of mind.”

The end result has been one of Tootoo’s best seasons since he started his NHL career on October 9, 2003, the night he became the first player of Inuit descent to play in a regular season NHL game.

He’s already surpassed his previous mark for points in a season (18), while contributing solid play in both the offensive and defensive zones.

Tootoo might have revved up his game, but that’s the opposite of how he’s viewing his time on the ice.

“The game seems to have slowed down a second for me, where I’m more aware than ever of what’s going, what’s unfolding and what’s happening out there,” said Tootoo, “It’s totally different for me now. I guess you can say that it’s been long time coming, but I’m embracing everything. I just want to contribute to the team.”

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