Returning to Buffalo almost a decade after his ignominious exit, Lindy Ruff is set to rekindle old fires as he takes helm once more as the head coach of the city’s beloved ice hockey outfit, the Sabres. Seventy-six years old and with a reputation carved from stints in Dallas and New Jersey, Ruff inherits a squad fraught with a disastrous 13-season streak without a playoff appearance.
Predating Ruff’s renewed tenure is the disciplinary reign of Don Granato, who was shown the exit last week after an unsatisfactory three-season stretch. But for the Sabres’ prodigal son, this homecoming signifies a chance to rewrite a story yet unfinished. After all, the Sabres’ last stand on playoff territory was orchestrated under Ruff’s watch, ending in heartbreak with a first-round defeat to Philadelphia in a grueling seven-game series in 2011.
His dismissal and the subsequent struggle of the Sabres serves as a stark reminder of Ruff’s vow to rectify the said “mess” before his tumultuous exit. However, the Sabres’ fortunes have regrettably trailed since Ruff’s departure during the lockout-shortened 2013 season. In the subsequent years, the team has claimed the dubious honor of the NHL’s worst record four times, with seven coaches and four general managers failing to halt their slide. Still, last season’s final roster, with its youthful vibrance, promises potential renaissance under Ruff’s guidance.
Notable is the input of general manager Kevyn Adams, who sought to fulfill his vision by recruiting a mentor with extensive experience. Ruff’s commendable resume boasts an impressive NHL’s Coach of the Year award in 2006 and a distinguished position ranking fifth on the career list with 1,774 games coached, and 864 victories. A third of those victories, a franchise record, were accomplished during his tenure in Buffalo.
In a decision aimed at the Sabres’ future, Ruff’s appointment was carefully weighed in terms of his qualifications, rather than any nostalgic pull. Adams, having started his own stint as an assistant coach under Ruff in Buffalo in 2011, had nothing but praise for his tenacity and his demonstrated commitment to fostering young players. His belief in Ruff’s potential to propel the team through their challenges was firm and unwavering.
The most recent stint on Ruff’s coaching journey was with the New Jersey Devils across four seasons. On the back of an impressive playoff run last year, he was let go this past March and replaced by Travis Green, a change that ultimately led to the Devils missing the playoffs.
Despite the hefty responsibility now resting on his shoulders, Ruff remains humbled by the opportunity to mold a team eager to ascend within the league. His dedication to his role was palpable as he acknowledged the road ahead, citing the necessity of facing the arduous journey with courage and commitment.
Among the players rooting for Ruff’s return was forward Alex Tuch who, despite crediting Granato for his development, questioned his predecessor’s accountability. An exciting prospect for Tuch growing up, he expressed his admiration for Ruff, illuminating the players’ high anticipation for his triumphant return.
Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin echoed this sentiment, expressing eagerness to work under a seasoned coach while emphasizing the importance of adherence to the game’s stringent demands.
As the head coach for the Sabres, Ruff successfully led the team to the playoffs eight times, even reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 1999, albeit ending in defeat to Dallas after a legendary six-game run. The deciding game still echoes in Buffalo due to the controversy surrounding Brett Hull’s winning goal in triple overtime, which was met with accusations of a rules violation.
Following his original tenure with the Sabres, Ruff navigated Dallas’s team from 2013 to 2017. The Sabres face an uphill battle, sharing the 13-season playoff drought with the NFL’s New York Jets.
Ruff’s journey began as a Sabres player from 1979-89 before venturing into coaching as an assistant with Florida, and eventually being appointed the head coach of the Sabres in 1997, filling in the spot left by Ted Nolan. Now, Ruff has been given another chance to steer the Sabres back on course, a mission embodying retribution, restoration, and an indomitable spirit.
