Archives for February 2013

'If your team is struggling so much a third of the way through the season that you feel a coaching change is in order, after a 10 year-stretch where missing the playoffs was more common than actually making the playoffs, it might be time to also take a long look at the people responsible for putting the team together and consider making a change there as well. In this case, … [Read more...] about Coaching isn’t the only problem in Buffalo

'Rolston also coached the 2007 and 2009 American team at the World Juniors as the head man. The point is, the guy has put in his dues and is going to get a crack at the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Sabres tab Rochester’s Ron Rolston to coach after Lindy Ruff firing

'“He didn’t lose the team in any way in terms of communication,” Regier said. “In fact, communication has never been better. There were huge strides in that regard. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate to the ice.”' … [Read more...] about Ruff’s long tenure with Sabres ends

'It's interesting to place his career alongside that of contemporary Ken Hithcock. Since Ruff was hired, Hitchcock won a Stanley Cup in Dallas, got hired in Philadelphia, led Columbus to its first ever playoff berth and then landed in St. Louis. All the while Ruff remained in one place.' … [Read more...] about Stunned by Ruff’s firing

'"He'll make sure everyone knows their responsibilities," said Chris Taylor, Rochester's development coach. "He demands that everybody is prepared; and he wants a north-south game."' … [Read more...] about Ron Rolston brings technically sound plan to Buffalo

'Ruff is a good man and an excellent coach, but his message had gone stale. It was absolutely the right decision by Regier…and absolutely the last one he should be allowed to make.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres fire Lindy Ruff, hire Ron Rolston as interim coach

'Indeed, when you consider the Sabres have made the playoffs just four times in the past 10 years, it’s no small wonder a management change of some sort didn’t come sooner.' … [Read more...] about Lindy Ruff firing gives Sabres chance for change

'“I think the prevailing factor here was where we are, where we’re going, conversations that I had with Lindy, how he felt about where the team was,” Regier said. “I think last game was quite honestly a tipping point, and it was evident to me that we were searching for answers to too many questions.”' … [Read more...] about After Lindy Ruff’s firing, it’s time for Buffalo Sabres to take top-to-bottom inventory

'The Sabres are off to a slow start in a shortened season, sitting in last place in the Northeast Division, sitting at 6-10-and-1.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Fire Head Coach Lindy Ruff

'Rolston played hockey at Michigan Tech and has coached the Rochester Americans' coach for the last two seasons, going 36-26-14 last season and 27-18-3 this year. Previously, he was behind the bench as an assistant for Clarkson, Harvard and Boston College.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Name Ron Rolston as Interim Head Coach

'You can’t coach a team that plays like this team does, game after game, and tell the fans it’s OK and status quo. I’m rather surprised Ruff ran practice on Wednesday and even spoke to the media.' … [Read more...] about The time has come for Ruff

'All the Sabres have to do to charge their fan base is make a coaching change.' … [Read more...] about Apparently we’re still paying our penance

'This past spring there was a lot of talk from the Sabres as they went their separate ways that Ruff was too harsh at times. Derek Roy was on the front line of the criticism and perhaps for his trouble, was traded to Dallas in July. One veteran player who has played for at least one other team in his NHL career told our Paul Hamilton that Ruff was the harshest coach he had … [Read more...] about So where were you when you heard that the Buffalo Sabres had fired Lindy Ruff?

'The move may have been made to clear room on the roster to call up a player from Rochester.' … [Read more...] about Sabres waive F Cody McCormick

'Do the Sabres have enough talent? If not, then the blame falls with the gm, who hired Ruff some 16 years ago. But if Pegula and his advisors think the talent is there, for the most part anyway, then the only other option for a big change is to change the head coach. There are several under-achieving Sabres who deserve to be shown the door for their surprisingly poor … [Read more...] about Pegula Didn’t Waver in 1st Major Decision