Lindy Ruff Introduced as New Head Coach for the Buffalo Sabres

Lindy Ruff was re-introduced as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabre today in a press conference. General Manager Kevin Adams made the introduction and said an extensive search, in which he spoke to “double-digits” of coaches, was conducted. Ultimately, he felt Ruff was the right coach for the job. 

Sabres owner Terry Pegula attended the press conference. He also spoke for the first time in a long time to the public. Pegula thanked former coach Don Granto and spoke about the history of Ruff with the Sabres. He also described Liondy Ruff as one of the most competitive people he has ever known. 

Several players, including Alex Tuch, attended the presser and met with Ruff beforehand.

The Buffalo Sabres have missed the playoffs for an NHL-record 13 straight seasons. Lindy Ruff coached the Sabres from 1997 to 2013, leading the Sabres to 4 conference finals appearances and 1 Stanley Cup appearance, which they lost to the Dallas Stars in the ‘No Goal” controversy. Ruff Won the Jack Adams award as the NHL’s Best Coach with the Sabres, as well as a President’s Trophy. He is the winningest coach in Sabres history with 571 wins and a .564 winning percentage. 

WATCH: Powerful Video Of Lindy Ruff Arriving At KeyBank Center

Ruff was also a player for the Sabres from 1979 to 198, serving as their Captain.

Ruff most recently coached the New Jersey Devils, who were a young and talented team. Last year they unexpectedly made a run to the second round of the NHL Playoffs. He was fired this year mid-season after the team underperformed. Many blame goaltending issues and injuries for the falling off.  

See the press conference below.