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Buffalo Sabres in 'Win Now' Mode with Lindy Ruff Returning as Head Coach

Originally posted on The Forkball | By Jamie Malloy | Last updated 4/24/24

Oh, what a difference 11 years make. It’s also interesting how things can come full circle.

This is especially true when you believe it’s the right move at the right time. And that move is Lindy Ruff returning to, “Hockey Heaven”.

For the first time since he was fired in Jan 2013, the Buffalo Sabres have brought back Lindy Ruff who’s returning as head coach.

It’s a different circumstance, however. The game has changed to where players must be held accountable. Therefore, there’s also a need for constant communication back and forth.

Additionally, the game is in a better place, with a rich pool of speedy and skillful hockey players. But the main reason for Ruff returning is that the time has come to “win now.”

Lindy is Back With “Unfinished Business”

Don’t think for one second Lindy doesn’t want to come to Buffalo this time around to win. From 1997-2013, Ruff built his reputation as both a hard-working player and a smart head coach.

The 2006 Jack Adams Award winner is ready to take on the challenge of turning the Sabres into a winner. This organization needs to find a way how they can be successful, now.

We’re in an era of hockey where most teams have a similar type of speed and skill. Although the Sabres already have that on their roster, they need a leader to help them bring it to the next level.

Time to get started. #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/VBuoMUp6Bg
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 23, 2024

“This is a team ready to take the next step,” Ruff said. “I am both humbled and honored to be trusted to help this team win now. It is not a job that I take lightly. There is no doubt that we all need to embrace the challenge ahead of us. The work starts today and I could not be more excited.”

Ruff’s best moment, may have come during a rally when the Sabres were controversially defeated by the Dallas Stars in game six of the 1999 Stanley Cup finals.

If you go back and watch the video of Brett Hull’s game-winning goal, everybody clearly saw that Hull’s skate was in the crease, which at the time was considered an illegal goal.

“I’m gonna leave you with two words,” Ruff said, “It’ll be the final two words for the summer, “No goal!”

Ironically, Ruff would go to coach the Stars the year after the Sabres let him go into the 2012-13 season just after 17 games.

Ruff Holds Title for Winningest Coach in Sabres History

The 64-year-old, during his first stint with the team, from 1997-98 and 2012-13, set franchise records in regular-season wins (571), regular-season games coached (1,165), playoff wins (57), and playoff games coached (101).

He took the team to the playoffs eight times: including three times to the Eastern Conference final and one to the Stanley Cup final.

Buffalo is Where it all Started for Ruff too

The fifth-winningest coach in history also started his hockey career as a Buffalo Sabre. As a hockey player, he played for 10 years as a Sabre defenseman from 1979-89.

Ruff became a Captain for the team until he was traded to the New York Rangers in 1989. He ended his career with 691 games played while tallying 300 points and made the playoffs nine times.

With Ruff coming back to coach the Sabres, let’s hope that he does indeed bring with him that, “this team needs to win now” approach.

Because I do not want to go through another 13-year-playoff drought. And I am sure that you do not want to either.

This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.

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