Archives for February 2013

'But for a franchise that’s as insular as any in pro sports, there was a staunch belief that there wasn’t a better guy available to turn it around than the one already in the chair. Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg was quite obviously the straw that broke the camel’s back. The utterly uninspired performance from a team loaded with high-priced players had Ruff’s Sabres rightly booed … [Read more...] about Too bad it had to end like this

'”Lindy will go down as the greatest coach in Buffalo history, but it was time to do so (fire him.) Things need be changed,” Weiland said. “As a human being I always thought he was a great guy. He was very personable, very funny and he did a great job directing the team for a lot of years. Over the years, players have changed. His style of coaching was more geared to players of … [Read more...] about Ruff descent

'"But I really think the players stopped playing his system. I hope they don't hire from within the team. They need outside help."' … [Read more...] about Fans react to firing of Lindy Ruff

'Regier, who has been in office as long as Ruff and seen five GMs in Toronto come and go, was very emotional at Wednesday evening’s press conference. His own job will be in jeopardy if the Sabres miss the playoffs a second straight year and make it four of the past six. There is already talk that Dallas Eakins, the Leafs’ excellent farm coach, will get an interview in the … [Read more...] about Ruff and Leafs a ‘sworded’ tale

'The only question is whether Regier, who himself was hired one month before Ruff, was the one who pulled the trigger or if it was Sabres owner Terry Pegula. It was just last month that Pegula showed his faith in Regier and Ruff by giving the former a contract extension, much to the chagrin of the local media.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire head coach Lindy Ruff

'Ruff made the most of the opportunity. He also squeezed a lot out of some teams that had no business going as deep in the playoffs as they did.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff’s availability might cause some concern among struggling coaches

'"I think they were making some strides," general manager Darcy Regier said in a news conference. "But in the end, for every two steps forward, it was one step back."' … [Read more...] about Sabres fire coach Ruff, name Rolston as interim

Toronto Maple Leafs face desperate, emotional Buffalo Sabres (Toronto Star) Sabres-Maple Leafs Preview (AP) Buffalo Sabres (6-10-1) at Toronto Maple Leafs (10-7-0) (The Sports Network) Sabres face Maple Leafs in first game without Ruff (NHL.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Toronto Coverage

'General manager Darcy Regier said the decision to fire Ruff was reached earlier in the day. It comes a day after the Sabres were booed off the ice during a 2-1 loss to Winnipeg. Regier called the loss - and the team's performance - a ''tipping point.''' … [Read more...] about Sabres fire Ruff; name Rolston as interim coach

'''His teams play with structure, discipline. They have a work ethic,'' Regier said, of Rolston's Americans.' … [Read more...] about Rolston set to take over after Sabres fire Ruff

'McCormick became the odd-man out Wednesday because Ruff said the team has enough toughness already. He added a decision hasn't been made on how the Sabres will fill the roster spot before their game at Toronto on Thursday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres waive McCormick; Ruff hints at more changes

'"The hockey world knows how I and the entire Buffalo Sabres organization feel about Lindy Ruff, not only as a coach, but also as a person," Sabres owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. "His qualities have made this decision very difficult. I personally want Lindy to know that he can consider me a friend always."' … [Read more...] about Ruff out as Sabres head coach

'But let’s not pretend this is a cure-all answer to Buffalo’s woes. Some of this has to fall on GM Darcy Regier, as well. His blue-line corps, for my money, is overrated, I might even say soft. The Sabres aren’t good enough down the middle, although Cody Hodgson is showing signs he’ll be a good one. And overall, there’s not enough character and leadership on that team.' … [Read more...] about Firing likely not surprising to Lindy Ruff

'As for the Sabres themselves, you’ve touched on some key personnel issues. Would a new coach help Myers get back on track? Or was that the kind of personnel mistake made at the GM level that will cripple that club for years? Same with the Ville Leino signing. I guess if you’re Regier you hope a new coach can help turn what appear to be egregious mistakes into positive assets. … [Read more...] about Will new voice get Sabres into postseason?

'The move is a surprise and not a surprise all at the same time. It's a surprise because, for so long, Ruff had been the coach there and never seemed to be under any fire from the men above him, particularly GM and friend Regier. It seemed that no matter what happened with the team, Ruff wasn't going anywhere. Regier mentioned how difficult this was for him to do.' … [Read more...] about Struggling Buffalo Sabres fire Lindy Ruff, longest-tenured coach in NHL