'Ruff expressed confidence that he’s a “a lot better” coach than Feb. 20, 2013, when he was fired by Pegula only 17 games into the lockout-shortened season. Ruff’s replacement, Ron Rolston, was let go after 51 games, and the Sabres began to gradually dismantle their roster to try to finish higher in the NHL draft lottery.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff motivated to take Sabres to ‘next step’ in second stint as head coach
Archives for April 24, 2024
Mike Harrington: Sabres are going back in time, hoping Lindy Ruff can renew their better days
'“It would mean a lot to have this group of players experience what I was able to experience as a player and as a coach,” Ruff said. “This building shook in several playoff series that I’m involved with. I can still remember the 8-0 Philadelphia win (the Game 6 clincher in the first round in 2001), when I was sitting in the office and thinking that the building was shaking. … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres are going back in time, hoping Lindy Ruff can renew their better days
Buffalo Sabres TV ratings drop about 15% as Lindy Ruff tries to reestablish fan belief
'Unofficially, the Sabres averaged a 4.6 rating in the 2023-24 season, down about 15% from a 5.4 average in the 2022-23 season.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres TV ratings drop about 15% as Lindy Ruff tries to reestablish fan belief
In current Sabres, coach Lindy Ruff sees similarities to special 2005-06 team
'“This team is so similar to where we were at back then,” he said of the team led by co-captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury and a slew of young players, including goalie Ryan Miller. “Deep with talent. It’s just we needed to play the game the right way.”' … [Read more...] about In current Sabres, coach Lindy Ruff sees similarities to special 2005-06 team
What will Sabres’ Lindy Ruff do with his assistant coaches?
'Ruff could reassign some coaches or give them different duties. Assistants Mike Bales, Matt Ellis, Marty Wilford and Dan Girardi and rehab and skating coach Mike Ansell and video coach Justin White are all on the staff. Ruff must also replace video coordinator Matt Smith, who was fired with Granato and Christie last Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about What will Sabres’ Lindy Ruff do with his assistant coaches?
Ruff returns as Sabres HC with hope for better days ahead
'“We’re going to be connected. If you’re going to be a successful hockey club now, there’s got to be alignment between players, coaches and an understanding of how we need to play. And the last part of that is being consistent with that play night in, night out.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff returns as Sabres HC with hope for better days ahead
A wish for community ownership of the Bills; good luck to new/old Sabres coach Lindy Ruff
'Interestingly, Ruff, now 64, has maintained his off-season home in Buffalo for more than 40 years, coming back even after he took over the Stars and New Jersey Devils. During his 25 years with the Sabres, he experienced more glory years than gory years. He can add to his legacy by ending the drought he helped start.' … [Read more...] about A wish for community ownership of the Bills; good luck to new/old Sabres coach Lindy Ruff
Lindy Ruff becomes Sabres coach again a little grayer, wiser and more motivated to restore success
'“I’m humbled by the opportunity that I’m getting,” Ruff said. “I get a chance to do something that I wasn’t able to do as a player. Then I became the coach of the team and didn’t succeed with what I set out to do. And now, I’m getting one more opportunity, in which I really feel I’m blessed to have.”' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff becomes Sabres coach again a little grayer, wiser and more motivated to restore success
Returning coach Lindy Ruff wants current Sabres to experience what he did
'"There is some personal there for sure," Ruff said of the challenge. "Obviously, I've lived in this city and owned a house in this city since 1979. I think I understand from my playing days and coaching days, how great this city is when you have a successful hockey club. "It would mean a lot to have this group of players experience what i was able to as a player and as a … [Read more...] about Returning coach Lindy Ruff wants current Sabres to experience what he did
Lindy Ruff settled in Tuesday as new head coach of Sabres
'General manager Kevyn Adams says he spoke with many different candidates in the six days leading up to Ruff’s hiring, clarifying it was 10 or more potential candidates to be the next head coach of the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff settled in Tuesday as new head coach of Sabres
Alex Tuch excited to get to work under Lindy Ruff's tutelage
'"I'm really excited. I'm still around town, so I was able to come in and see the press conference in person. It's exciting," said Tuch on Tuesday after the team introduced Ruff as head coach again at KeyBank Center downtown. "I think growing up being a Sabres fan and watching Lindy behind the bench all those years, it's very nostalgic. Just super excited for the opportunity to … [Read more...] about Alex Tuch excited to get to work under Lindy Ruff’s tutelage
'I want them to love being a Buffalo Sabre': Lindy Ruff introduced as new Buffalo Sabres head coach
'"I want them to love playing here," Ruff said on Tuesday about what he wants from his players. "I want them to love playing for each other and I want them to love being a Buffalo Sabre for Sabre fans that I think are some of the greatest in the league."' … [Read more...] about ‘I want them to love being a Buffalo Sabre’: Lindy Ruff introduced as new Buffalo Sabres head coach
4 check: Sabres reintroduce Lindy Ruff
'A concept that coach Don Granato struggled to implement and explain during his disappointing final season behind the Sabres bench turned into a postseason theme. Granato was held to account for Buffalo’s inability to end the longest playoff drought in NHL, and several players spoke of the new for greater accountability in the dressing room during their exit interviews.' … [Read more...] about 4 check: Sabres reintroduce Lindy Ruff
Terry Pegula hails Lindy Ruff as ‘most competitive person I’ve ever met’
'“He may be the most competitive person I’ve ever met in my life,” Pegula said of Ruff. “Just go fishing with him and you may never go fishing with him again. He’s also never going to ask anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. So, I welcome Lindy as our next head coach.”' … [Read more...] about Terry Pegula hails Lindy Ruff as ‘most competitive person I’ve ever met’
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams: Lindy Ruff ‘is here to win’
'“It is tremendous that Lindy has a long-storied history in the Buffalo Sabres. It is terrific that he is connected to the City of Buffalo and the Western New York community — but that’s really just an added bonus,” Adams said. “He’s the right person for this job, and I truly believe that he is the person that’s going to take us to the next level.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Kevyn Adams: Lindy Ruff ‘is here to win’