Ruff - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Stars introduce Ruff as new coach

BUFFALO – The media couldn’t wait to ask Lindy Ruff, the Dallas Stars’ new coach, about “No Goal,” the disputed 1999 Stanley Cup-winning goal by Dallas’ Brett Hull that defeated Ruff’s Sabres.

It was the first question.

Of course, Ruff has always contended shouldn’t have counted because Hull’s skate was in the crease.

“It’s a long time ago,” Ruff, fired by the Sabres after more than 15 years on Feb. 20, told reporters in Dallas ... Read the full article

Report: Stars set to hire Ruff as coach

BUFFALO – Get ready to cringe, Sabres fans.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting the Dallas Stars are going to hire former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff as their new coach.

The Stars, of course, beat Ruff’s Sabres for the 1999 Stanley Cup with Brett Hull’s infamous “No Goal” in Game 6 at what was then called Marine Midland Arena.

For more details on the possible hiring, click here.

The Sabres fired Ruff on Feb. ... Read the full article

Sabres re-sign goalie Enroth to 2-year deal

BUFFALO – The Sabres have re-signed goalie Jhonas Enroth, who would’ve become a restricted free agent next month, to a two-year contract, the team announced this morning.

The backup would likely have the inside edge for the No. 1 job next season if the Sabres trade starting netminder Ryan Miller this offseason.

After struggling for more than a year, the Swede finished this season strongly, going 4-1-1 with a 1.47 goals-against average, a .956 save ... Read the full article

Sabres owner Pegula defends Regier, wants Miller and Vanek back

BUFFALO – Terry Pegula has finally spoken again.

In a rare “interview,” the Sabres owner fielded questions on his team’s radio program, “Sabres Hockey Hotline,” this morning, chatting 25 minutes by phone with hosts and team employees Kevin Sylvester and Andrew Peters.

Most notably, Pegula defended general manager Darcy Regier, whose teams have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, asking, “What’s he done wrong?” Pegula said he wants Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, ... Read the full article

Reports: Rangers receive permission to talk with ex-Sabres coach Lindy Ruff

BUFFALO – The New York Rangers have received permission to talk with former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff about their vacancy, according to ESPN.com and “Hockey Night in Canada” analyst Glenn Healy.

Ruff, arguably the best veteran coach on the market, recently spoke to Dallas and also talked with Tampa Bay shortly after his Feb. 20 firing after more than 15 years leading the Sabres.

The Sabres technically possess Ruff’s “rights” since they’re still paying ... Read the full article

Report: Stars have spoken to former Sabres coach Ruff about opening

BUFFALO – Not surprisingly, new Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill recently spoke to former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff about his club’s vacancy, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Ruff, arguably the best veteran coach on the market, could speak with Nill more formally soon, the News reported. The 53-year-old Ruff also talked with Tampa Bay not long after his Feb. 20 firing.

The Stars also plan on interviewing Alain Vigneault, who likely ... Read the full article

Not long ago, Sabres wanted to sign Richards

BUFFALO – Incredibly, tonight in the New York, with the Rangers down 3-0 to Boston, coach John Tortorella will make alleged star Brad Richards and his $60 million contract a healthy scratch.

Richards, a former Conn Smythe winner with Tampa Bay in 2004, had already been relegated to the fourth line in the Eastern Conference semifinal, a series he has scored zero points.

Believe it or not, less than two years ago, the center was ... Read the full article

John Scott hopeful he’s found home after re-signing with Sabres

BUFFALO – Late this season, as John Scott began earning a regular shift beside some proven talent, the tough guy promised he would score his long-awaited second NHL goal.

Alas, despite skating more than 10 minutes some nights, Scott couldn’t net his first Sabres goal.

That elusive tally, Scott said Monday, will come next season.

“Oh, definitely, I’m going to get it,” Scott told the Times Herald by phone after the Sabres re-signed him to ... Read the full article

Rolston confident Myers will regain old form for Sabres

BUFFALO – In nearly three months as Sabres coach, Ron Rolston has dealt with Tyler Myers delicately, always offering encouraging words for the struggling franchise defenseman.

“He’s on a really good path right now,” Rolston said last week inside the First Niagara Center, reiterating comments he made throughout the season.

Of course, if Rolston, who shed his interim tag last week, wants to succeed as the franchise’s 16^th coach, he needs Myers performing ... Read the full article

Sabres fire assistant coaches Patrick and Adams as Rolston begins assembling staff

BUFFALO – The Sabres have fired assistant coaches James Patrick and Kevyn Adams, according to multiple reports.

It was believed new Sabres coach Ron Rolston, whose interim tag was removed Tuesday, would make some changes to his staff.

The reports state assistant Teppo Numminen will stay on. The status of goalie coach Jim Corsi is unclear.

Other than one year playing in Europe, Patrick has been a Sabres player or coach since 1998-99. The ... Read the full article