Rutta's father in attendance for tribute video in Tampa

Lightning honor former defenseman during Penguins' dad trip

Rutta dad
By Christopher Detwiler
@Chris_Detwiler NHL.com Staff Writer

In-game tributes are always special.
Watching an in-game tribute for your son? That's extra special.

Pavel Rutta - father of Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jan Rutta - got to watch his son's tribute video live during the Penguins' game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday at Amalie Arena.
The Penguins' dads are traveling with the team during the current road trip.
Jan won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and played for the Eastern Conference champions last season as well. He signed with the Penguins this past offseason.

The Lightning played the tribute video during the first period to a strong ovation from the crowd. Sitting on the bench during the stoppage in play, Rutta acknowledged the Lightning fans.

Likely the easiest standing ovation Pavel Rutta has had to give.

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