TSN Article: Ruff reflects on disappointing season

[frisky]

Ruff reflects on disappointing season

[spndnchz]

not worth it's own thread so I'll stick it here

Ruff reflects on disappointing season

After winning the Presidents' Trophy last season, the Sabres are in jeopardy of becoming only the third team since the NHL's expansion era began in 1967-68 to miss the playoffs a year after finishing first in the regular-season standings. The New York Rangers missed the playoffs in 1992-93, as did Montreal in 1969-70.

note: Rangers won the cup the next year.

 

edit: further investigation into how the Rangers did it (applicable to Sabres or not)

netted one less RW and D man, switched two centers and two LW, total of 15 new players in 93-94, 9 of which played in playoffs

most possible ? most importantly? got rid of Vanbiesbrouck and let Richter (92-93 back-up) play 68 games that season

[Bmwolf21]

It's hard to say if the goalie switch was THE reason NY's fortunes changed, but it should be noted that Beezer went on to Florida and had a pretty damn good career - finished with 374 wins, 40 shutouts, one Vezina (last NYR goalie to win it.) Richter was very good, just like Beezer - but younger. Beezer was traded to Vancouver and they left him exposed in the Expansion Draft, where the Panthers took him.