'Trading for a top-six winger is a more realistic option for the Sabres because the cost of signing one in free agency is likely untenable for their long-term salary cap, although Patrick Kane may be an outlier. The 35-year-old won’t command a lucrative long-term contract but would immediately upgrade the club’s forward group. The South Buffalo native had 20 goals and 47 points … [Read more...] about Sabres Mailbag: How can Kevyn Adams and Lindy Ruff improve the roster?
Rochester rookie Nikita Novikov looks like special Sabres defense prospect
'“You don’t see a lot of 20-year-old defensemen put up those numbers not on the power play,” said Nathan Paetsch, the Amerks’ assistant coach in charge of the defense. “It’s pretty rare. That’s just his instincts are really high-end offensively. He just sees plays.”' … [Read more...] about Rochester rookie Nikita Novikov looks like special Sabres defense prospect
Amerks coach Seth Appert hasn't 'put any thought' into possible spot on Sabres' staff
'“Realistically, it’s not something I’ve put any thought into,” Appert told The Buffalo News. “I love my job. I’m really proud to be part of the Buffalo Sabres organization. I’m proud of what we’ve built here and how we’ve done it. The culture we’ve created here I think is pretty unique and special, and I don’t think I’ve ever been in a hurry to leave a job. That’s not my track … [Read more...] about Amerks coach Seth Appert hasn’t ‘put any thought’ into possible spot on Sabres’ staff
Ex-Sabres Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller know Lindy Ruff can succeed in Buffalo
'“I know Don did a lot of great things for the team, but, I mean, I’ve had Lindy as a coach,” he said. “I know him personally. I know how invested he is in the city, how much the fans are craving a winning hockey team.”' … [Read more...] about Ex-Sabres Jason Pominville, Ryan Miller know Lindy Ruff can succeed in Buffalo
Opinion: Sabres hoping history repeats itself
'I've seen the Sabres and the Buffalo Bills take the easy way out over the years when it came to hiring a head coach or a general manager. The organization would choose someone they knew and were comfortable with, rather than go find the best person for the job.' … [Read more...] about Opinion: Sabres hoping history repeats itself
Thursday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks rally after humbling loss to Syracuse to face Crunch in playoffs (WROC-TV) Amerks April 2024 Report Card (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Rochester Coverage
Lindy Ruff motivated to take Sabres to 'next step' in second stint as head coach
'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
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