When Scotty Bowman was relieved of his duties as Sabres general manager on Dec. 22, 1986, the team was in absolute turmoil. Gone was Bowman without a real sniff of the Cup despite doing well in St. Louis and Montreal beforehand. Team legend Gilbert Perreault scored nine goals in his first 14 games only to retire with the team off to a horrid start. The young team was struggling and one of the last decisions made on Bowman’s watch was Perreault’s successor as captain: Lindy Ruff.’
Archives for November 10, 2010
Ruff heads toward milestone
‘"I thought I was going to be gone in December," Ruff said. "I’m not being funny. I thought it was going to be reality. I was young and just kept hearing it: If they don’t win in the playoffs, he’ll be gone. I still remember standing on the bench in Philly after we won, thinking, ‘I’ve got a chance now.’ I don’t think that part ever leaves you."’
Lalime stricken, likely out for Devils game
‘"It wouldn’t be fair [to play Miller]," Ruff said. "He had a good practice today. He needs some really good, intense practices. He hasn’t had any, and I don’t think it would be fair on his part. We’ll get him to where we need him, and he’ll play."’
Wednesday’s New Jersey Coverage
Buffalo (4-9-2) at New Jersey (4-10-1) (AP)
Buffalo Sabres (4-9-2) at New Jersey Devils (4-10-1) (The Sports Network)
Wednesday’s Portland Coverage
From Finland to Portland, backup goalie makes mark (Portland Press Herald)
Persson’s comfort level is producing points (Maine Hockey Journal)
Pirates look to amend loss in Springfield (Maine Hockey Journal)