Sabres Hire Ruff As Head Coach: A Gamble Worth Taking?

After a disappointing season that saw them finish with the NHL’s worst record, the Buffalo Sabres have hired Lindy Ruff as their new head coach. Ruff, who previously coached the Buffalo Sabres from 1997 to 2013, is a familiar face to the organization and its fans. However, his hiring has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning whether he is the right person to lead the Sabres back to contention.

Ruff’s Previous Success with the Sabres

During his previous stint with the Sabres, Ruff led the team to the playoffs 10 times in 15 seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999. He also won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2006. Ruff is known for his intense and demanding coaching style, which has been credited with helping to develop young players and turn the Sabres into a perennial playoff contender.

Concerns About Ruff’s Age and Recent Coaching Record

However, some critics have raised concerns about Ruff’s age (62) and his recent coaching record. After being fired by the Sabres in 2013, Ruff coached the Dallas Stars for four seasons, but failed to make the playoffs in any of those years. He was then hired by the New York Rangers in 2017, but was fired after just two seasons, with the Rangers missing the playoffs in both of those years.

Ruff’s critics argue that he is no longer the same coach who led the Sabres to success in the past. They point to his recent struggles and his age as evidence that he may not be up to the task of rebuilding the Sabres.

Sabres’ Need for a Quick Rebound

The Sabres are in desperate need of a quick rebound after finishing with the NHL’s worst record last season. They have a young and talented roster, but they need a strong coach to help them reach their potential. Ruff has a proven track record of success with the Sabres, and he is familiar with the organization and its players. However, his recent coaching record is a cause for concern.

Conclusion

Only time will tell whether Ruff is the right coach to lead the Sabres back to contention. He has a proven track record of success with the Sabres, but his recent coaching record is a cause for concern. The Sabres are in need of a quick rebound, and Ruff will need to get the most out of his young and talented roster if he wants to be successful.

Additional Perspectives and Data Points

In addition to the arguments presented above, there are a number of other perspectives and data points to consider when evaluating Ruff’s hiring as the Sabres’ head coach.

• Ruff’s familiarity with the Sabres’ organization and players: Ruff coached the Sabres for 15 seasons, and he is familiar with the organization and its players. This could be a major advantage for Ruff, as he will not need to spend time learning about the team and its culture.
• Ruff’s recent coaching record: Ruff’s recent coaching record is not as impressive as his record with the Sabres. He has not made the playoffs in any of his past six seasons as a head coach.
• The Sabres’ young and talented roster: The Sabres have a young and talented roster, led by Jack Eichel, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Sam Reinhart. This roster has the potential to be a contender, but it will need a strong coach to help it reach its potential.
• The Sabres’ need for a quick rebound: The Sabres are in desperate need of a quick rebound after finishing with the NHL’s worst record last season. Ruff will need to get the most out of his young and talented roster if he wants to be successful.

Conclusion

The hiring of Lindy Ruff as the Sabres’ head coach is a gamble. He has a proven track record of success with the Sabres, but his recent coaching record is a cause for concern. The Sabres are in need of a quick rebound, and Ruff will need to get the most out of his young and talented roster if he wants to be successful.