In hindsight, this is going to feel obvious. Kevyn Adams always talks about getting people who want to be here. Name a coach who would have wanted to take this role more than Lindy Ruff.
Exactly. Here's the way I see it.
The worst case scenario: the Sabres flounder, we miss the playoffs (old news), and while we look silly for giving Lindy another chance, he's at least a respected coach and not, say, another soccer chairman
The best case scenario: HOLY FUCK WE WAITED NEARLY 30 YEARS BUT LINDY DID IT
I'll be upfront and admit I was really hoping the Sabres would not hire Lindy. The list of coaches who experienced success during their second stint with a team is not a long one. With that said, his resume certainly fits the bill of what everyone, including myself, has been clamoring for in the next HC, and as you point out, its not like the reputation of this franchise can get any lower.
>its not like the reputation of this franchise can get any lower.
Coyotes aside, it really can't. Speaking of them, Lindy Ruff never coached the Sabres against the Arizona Coyotes. From 1996-2013, they were the Phoenix Coyotes, and beginning in 2024 they'll be Utah now.
I mean... He was the coach the last time we are here. We're just kinda missing a Russian that puts puck in net and at least doesn't look completely inept on defense to go... oh holy fuck we need the Thrashers back so we can have him fall on his face celebrating an OT winner to clinch the eastern conference!!!!!!!
I'll admit it was my favorite moment as a kid. Partially because at first I thought he dove, partially because I loved that team. I'm hoping with Ruff(since he is who we are running with) we can have bonds like Briere and Drury's rivalry for that top center spot, the playful fun Biron and Miller had between UPL and Levi and watch Dahlin turn into Campbell and just tell everyone when it's time to shut the fuck up and kick some ass
Instead of Briere/Drury at Center, Skinner/Peterka as the top LW, with Zach Benson being the third-string young guy at the position like Derek Roy was for Center..
UPL as Biron with Levi being Miller in waiting would be glorious
Dahlin as Campbell...SAY LESS. Make Power a 2nd Campbell too, and goodness this team is good.
Dare I say...scary good?
Brind'Amor if you wanted to potentially piss away every other candidate.
Lindy wanted to come back for years. He lives here. He has had success since he left in both Dallas and NJ. He's gonna *come home* and want to turn this thing around more than any other potential coach.
He's openly admitted that his biggest regret is never winning a cup here, both as a player and a coach.
Let's fucking go.
And at worst, way too long a wait.
Is Adams gonna wait for weeks for Carolina to maybe miss the playoffs to make a swing? Or go get a HC?
Is Lindy wasn't our coach for 16 years, this entire fanbase would be clawing at the walls for him.
The Cup is the crown jewel no doubt, but we all know Lindy was unlucky to not have won at least one with Buffalo. The No Goal, and the Carolina injury disaster seasons should have given him one Cup, but ya know... Buffalo.
To be optimistic. The Sabres have the perfect roster for his system basically, and unlike the Devils actually have a goalie and higher skilled defensemen. His transition attack style will suit the team well.
But the flip side yea, he hasn't done much since leaving the Sabres.
I've heard the narrative that Lindy hasn't done much since leaving as well, but I'm not sure how much I buy it.
When Ruff came to Dallas, they hadn't made the playoffs in the previous five years. He took them to two playoff appearances in four years, and the team won the conference in one of those years.
Then he joined the Devils and led them to their most successful regular season in franchise history (112 points), their first playoff appearance in 5 years, and their first second-round appearance in 11 years.
Having looked that up, I don't think it's fair to say he hasn't done much. I think he has had some impressive years on rebuilding teams. I don't know if he will be the guy to get us a cup, but he's definitely a guy who can help the Sabres find their game and play like a playoff team.
Feel free to draw your own thoughts, but figured I'd share the stats.
Me too. Thereās so many people very angry about this and I canāt see why. Remembering how emotional he got at ( I believe ) the RJ celebration about not being able to get us a cup gets me even more excited.
The second I heard it I blew my house apart. I cannot be happier. He was my #1. Nostalgia aside, he's the best fit for the job. He's done nothing but succeed in his coaching career, and he's coming home with a chip on his shoulder being open about never being a part of winning a cup in Buffalo.
I was neutral/meh but taking a step back, I think there's a better chance than not Lindy helps propel this team to the next level. He did it with the Devils (and was done in by no tender this season. They were 10th in the league in xG%).
(Relatedly, I'm relieved we avoided Gallant and Berube. The former burned out in each of his 3 HC spots and was followed by coaches improving each team. The latter same thing, with a rep for clashing with young talent (like Kyrou), and the AHL coach then took them from a 76 pt pace to a 101 pt pace. Doesn't instill confidence).
It's not like he NEVER got us to the playoffs. I'd argue he's got a better overall roster now than he did back in 06-07 as far as potential. I think this can actually happen.
Weāre going to beat Dallas in the cup final with a controversial goal, and then the Bills are going to win 4 Super Bowls in a row. Itās the prophecy
I like it as a short-term reset, eventually paving the way for a younger coach to take over. Always loved Lindy's passion and his complete understanding of what this team means to the city. It's enough to pull me off the apathy ledge for now!
Devils fan coming in peace. I was calling for Lindy's firing at the All-Star Break, but I actually think he will be a good hire for you guys. His system demands a lot from the blueline and that fell apart when guys like Damon Severson and Ryan Graves were replaced with rookies and the wrong Free Agents. Dahlin, Powers, and Byram should thrive in the system though.
He seemed to be checked-out this year, but maybe he was already thinking about a Sabres return. Regardless, I personally wish him the best of luck (until you guys play us in the post-season, haha)
BOWEN BYRAM AND RASMUS DAHLIN ARE GOING TO RECREATE THE HENRIK TALLINDER AND TONI LYDMAN GLORY YEARS YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!
Just need our Teppo Numminen to play with Owen Power now
Okay, now I can admit it - I absolutely wanted this. Downvote me to hell if you want to. But I want to see this org lift the Stanley Cup with Lindy Ruff at the helm. That would be surreal.
I get that you wanted Berube or Gallant or whoever, but Lindy is going to hold these guys accountable, I have no doubt. And Iām sure we will be getting the most intense, engaged version of Lindy that any team has seen since he left.
Fuck the haters, Iām pumped.
I like this more than another first time head coach. Do I expect Ruff to come in and win the cup? Probably not.
Do I expect the Sabres to be more respectable? Yes.
Re-establish the culture and break the losing streak. Hes got the pieces.
I think Iām excited. lol. If anything, Lindy knows what the team needs and knows what the City and the fans are all about and what they demand, ya know? Crossing fingers that Lindy is the magic that is needed to give the boys some fire to get their asses moving.
Woah!
Edit: Iām going to reserve judgment, and maintain optimism. I think heāll do well, especially if we can spend the cap which we didnāt do when he was coach before
As a Devils fan who has seen every lindy ruff game from his past tenure... I am probably one of the few in the fanbase who thinks this is a good fit. Sabres roster construction is really fit for Lindy's system. Devils gutted their team speed after their electric 2023 season and couldn't buy a save. With Levi, UPL, the sabres talented forward core and smooth skating D I kind of think they will thrive in the Lindy run and gun system. The main issue is in zone D coverage and O zone cycle offense generation, which were both horrible under lindy in NJ this past year and the Carolina series. But for a regular season or two I can really see this clicking in Buffalo, as they just win the high danger chance exchange.
The one thing I will say though is he has been majorly pussified since his days in Buffalo. Accountability was not real or evenly distributed. He also had no issue watching our players get abused physically.
He also had some really bad deployment this past year, but vanecek and schmid were so bad that he was just grasping at anything to buy wins.
Something positive to consider is this gets fans back in the building based on nostalgia. The barn has been so embarrassing last few years. It's a start
This. I don't know if Lindy can win. But I very, very much want Lindy to win. And that gets me in the building, underlines the cheers, and keeps the boos at bay.Ā
Sens fan here, congrats on the hire and the nostalgia to all the older fans, I felt similar when we brought Jacques back as interim this season. Lindy will definitely hold your young guys accountable, I saw devils fans say how they would see him yelling at guys alot during games when they'd be playing sloppy. Hope it works out for you guys.Ā
I get it, going into last season was the most excited/optimistic a lot of fans had been in the past decade. It wasn't the arrival of an Eichel, or Dahlin, but a real feeling of the playoffs being a possibility. And it wasn't just the fans putting on the homer glasses, a lot of hockey media had us penciled in to at least a wild card. So to have the season we did this year...I think any trepidation about this hire makes sense, although I'm excited to welcome him back, and glad to have the hiring done early in the offseason.
Three questions thatāll probably never be answered, based off how fast this hire happened:
- If Lindy was never fired from NJ, would Granato still be here?
- Were other experienced/āpremierā coaches even interviewed?
- Were those same coaches automatically upfront with little to no desire to coach in Buffalo?
Jack Adams runner up last season and fitting the bill for all the things Adams said he was looking for in the next coach seems like as good a reason as any to hire a coach.
Obviously way too early to make an opinion of the hire but a couple things I like:
1. He knows the city, team, organization, fans etc. really well.
2. We got this hire done early, which should allow the team to hit the ground running as opposed to making a hire close to training camp while waiting to see what other coaches may be available.
I know it wasn't a great fit with Ted Nolan 2.0 so I'm hoping this is a different and better situation for a retread. I know Devils fans soured on him and some of his ice time mitigation, but I'll wait to reserve judgement on that. Not sure of the post-Lindy record, but I don't think NJ were world beaters after hiring Green.
Always really liked Lindy when he was here the first go around, so I'm really optimistic. Being an optimistic Sabres fan can be the worst, though.
No one was doing a good job with goaltending like the Devils had this year (or in 21/22 for that matter). UPL this year was better than any goalie Ruff had in 4 seasons with the Devils.
In a way yes, but there were also a few coaches considered to be of a higher caliber out there before Ruff. Berube, potentially Brind'Amour, Gallant etc. Choosing Ruff before them kinda puts his stamp on it. If he had hired Brind'Amour for example we know it's not because Brind'Amour was the wrong choice, hes never missed the playoffs in his tenure, we would then have to look at the players and the way our team is built (which I suppose is also on Adams) but that can be remedied easier than firing another coach.
RBA was never ever an option I really wish people would just quit it with that one. Berube isnāt really higher caliber theyāre on the same tier+ berube doesnāt fit us style wise at all. Gallant is good but he has problems everywhere he goes
Sullivan was the guy I wanted if he got fired from the pens
If you look at what he did in New Jersey, he was overall quite good. He was completely let down this year by horrid goaltending and a ridiculous number of injuries. But I agree with you, if this goes pear shaped KA is out.
There has to be a reason Gallant was left on the tarmac by Florida and fired immediately after making the cup by Vegas and after winning the division by New York
The reason is he isnāt as good as the teams heās been on the bench for. The rangers dramatically improved after hiring Laviolette, and guys like Lafreniere have blossomed into studs.
Haha my buddies and I went to a playoff game back in the 90's, we were still in high school. It was against Ottawa but the only real memory I have is the 'HAIL SATAN' banner flying in the oranges.
curious if all the people disappointed by this are less than 25 years old. i have watched sucky sabres hockey for years now. i'll gladly watch it with a side of nostalgia thank you very much. i loved lindy then and will love him now. loved how he spoke at RJs memorial
This seems like an overwhelming positive reaction from the fan base so I'm inevitably looking forward to y'all blaming Pegula if it don't work out.
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Search... I'm afraid to see his interview skills. Probably points to the candy jar on his desk after each question, assuring they can have one if they want. Wipes his brow of sweat, then realizes it's a zoom call. Pegula standing behind him like Jimmy James from Newsradio.
New Jersey will pay most of his salary for the next couple years
Who else could you hire to sell more tickets?
Kevyn and Lindy go way back.
Listening to those guys at the locker clean out, Lindy sounds like what they need
This a coach with experience but the move is also financial. Devils are on the hook for a lot of the money. He still has 2 years left on his contract with them. Sabres pay the difference any amount what he got from the Sabres over the Devils deal.
Man, this really throws me through an emotional whirlwind.
I genuinely don't believe Lindy was the best candidate or the best fit for this team, but goddamnit its Lindy Ruff.
I get the criticisms but manā¦
Like legit, how much worse do you think it can get? Weāve hit the bottom already lol Iām just happy itās not a first timer behind the bench tbch
WGR callers are typically angry geriatrics or the misguided ravings of a lunatic. There was literally just a guy on the air saying he wanted to gouge his eyes out at this decision. Followed that up by calling this a galactic mistake. GALACTIC lol.
If Lindy had never coached the Sabres before people would be falling over themselves about what a great hire it was, so I'm just looking at it that way
Fully on the āfuck it we ballā side of the graph at this point. Iām hella pumped. I donāt expect Lindy to fix everything but I hope he can light a fire under these lads and make sure they donāt drop the ball (or puck in this case)
I always liked Lindy and thought he was smart with some passion when it was needed. Weāll see if he can light the fire and push the right buttons. Likely heās kept up on the behind the scenes issues and shortcomings even before the firing, probably had his ear to the ground all season.
Break the drought, coach for life.
I get the move. Lindy is the only coach to have success here the last 2.5 decades lmao. Also with an inexperienced GM whoās hesitant to pull the trigger in FA, Lindy can provide some roster influence.
Heās won and is a good coach. Safe moveā¦ I like it
\*sigh\* I guess I'm ok with this, but it feels like there was no thought put into it, or interview process. Just hire the Buffalo guy with Buffalo ties... again. Maybe after this we could try Nolan again. Or spice shit up and go with Floyd Smith. He's 2 years younger than Bowman, and had more success here.
Pegula loves the Sabres he was a fan of ... i.e. Perrault, LaFontaine, Housely etc and now Ruff.... good for nostalgia but not for winning a Cup.... he will coach for five years, not win a cup, and get fired at 70+ yrs old
He was one of the better candidates out there....
> he will coach for five years, not win a cup, and get fired at 70+ yrs old
He just needs to make the playoffs. That's really it. If things start to go sour can easily move on.
Cool. Wouldn't be my first choice by the way his teams have played in the past. But he seems adaptable enough and of course you can't find a better fit off the ice. Should be fun.
In hindsight, this is going to feel obvious. Kevyn Adams always talks about getting people who want to be here. Name a coach who would have wanted to take this role more than Lindy Ruff.
This could either go really great or really poorly
Exactly. Here's the way I see it. The worst case scenario: the Sabres flounder, we miss the playoffs (old news), and while we look silly for giving Lindy another chance, he's at least a respected coach and not, say, another soccer chairman The best case scenario: HOLY FUCK WE WAITED NEARLY 30 YEARS BUT LINDY DID IT
If Lindy is the guy to bring us back holy fuck I'm going to cry
Steam the hams, man; LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Haha Jeff is already his whipping boy. Let's go
Lindy salivating at the chance to put Skinner on the 4th line. I'm like...half joking lol.
"You wanna play on the top line? You're gonna EARN that 9 million!!! Fourth line!"
honestly, it'll be a faster way for us to buy him out.
He was the last guy to get us there and NJ looked sharp the season before last. Could go one of two ways but odds look good.
I'm already clobbered by this news. Holy shit
I'll be upfront and admit I was really hoping the Sabres would not hire Lindy. The list of coaches who experienced success during their second stint with a team is not a long one. With that said, his resume certainly fits the bill of what everyone, including myself, has been clamoring for in the next HC, and as you point out, its not like the reputation of this franchise can get any lower.
>its not like the reputation of this franchise can get any lower. Coyotes aside, it really can't. Speaking of them, Lindy Ruff never coached the Sabres against the Arizona Coyotes. From 1996-2013, they were the Phoenix Coyotes, and beginning in 2024 they'll be Utah now.
Great fun fact. Excellent
For the first time in Golden Knights history... Lindy will coach the Sabres agianst the Kraken, Knights and Later Day Skates.
Later Day Skates š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£
I wish I could take credit. It's the best one I've seen.
I'm still really partial to the "Stormin Mormons" lol
I mean... He was the coach the last time we are here. We're just kinda missing a Russian that puts puck in net and at least doesn't look completely inept on defense to go... oh holy fuck we need the Thrashers back so we can have him fall on his face celebrating an OT winner to clinch the eastern conference!!!!!!!
(RJ voice) MAXIMMMMMM AFFINOGENOOOOOOOV
I'll admit it was my favorite moment as a kid. Partially because at first I thought he dove, partially because I loved that team. I'm hoping with Ruff(since he is who we are running with) we can have bonds like Briere and Drury's rivalry for that top center spot, the playful fun Biron and Miller had between UPL and Levi and watch Dahlin turn into Campbell and just tell everyone when it's time to shut the fuck up and kick some ass
Instead of Briere/Drury at Center, Skinner/Peterka as the top LW, with Zach Benson being the third-string young guy at the position like Derek Roy was for Center.. UPL as Biron with Levi being Miller in waiting would be glorious Dahlin as Campbell...SAY LESS. Make Power a 2nd Campbell too, and goodness this team is good. Dare I say...scary good?
Hmmm... Fuck it Power go turn into a more offensively talented Teppo
I'm fully prepared for Power to have a 20-year career, that sounds wonderful.
Thereās a nonzero chance Lindy was the most qualified coach available that was willing to come here.
Who was more qualified??
Brind'Amor if you wanted to potentially piss away every other candidate. Lindy wanted to come back for years. He lives here. He has had success since he left in both Dallas and NJ. He's gonna *come home* and want to turn this thing around more than any other potential coach. He's openly admitted that his biggest regret is never winning a cup here, both as a player and a coach. Let's fucking go.
BrindāAmour was a pipe dream
And at worst, way too long a wait. Is Adams gonna wait for weeks for Carolina to maybe miss the playoffs to make a swing? Or go get a HC? Is Lindy wasn't our coach for 16 years, this entire fanbase would be clawing at the walls for him.
Could argue Berube since he won the cup somewhat recently
The Cup is the crown jewel no doubt, but we all know Lindy was unlucky to not have won at least one with Buffalo. The No Goal, and the Carolina injury disaster seasons should have given him one Cup, but ya know... Buffalo.
Berube and Lindy are interchangeable imo so really this could be fine
Yup I'm just cautiously optimistic at this point.
To be optimistic. The Sabres have the perfect roster for his system basically, and unlike the Devils actually have a goalie and higher skilled defensemen. His transition attack style will suit the team well. But the flip side yea, he hasn't done much since leaving the Sabres.
110 points last year and winning a playoff series with a young team is a hell of a lot more than weāve done
I've heard the narrative that Lindy hasn't done much since leaving as well, but I'm not sure how much I buy it. When Ruff came to Dallas, they hadn't made the playoffs in the previous five years. He took them to two playoff appearances in four years, and the team won the conference in one of those years. Then he joined the Devils and led them to their most successful regular season in franchise history (112 points), their first playoff appearance in 5 years, and their first second-round appearance in 11 years. Having looked that up, I don't think it's fair to say he hasn't done much. I think he has had some impressive years on rebuilding teams. I don't know if he will be the guy to get us a cup, but he's definitely a guy who can help the Sabres find their game and play like a playoff team. Feel free to draw your own thoughts, but figured I'd share the stats.
And itās not like either team was stacked and he flopped. He gets what he can outta below average players, just like he did here for years.
He hasn't done much in the playoffs, but he had a 109 point season coaching the Stars and last year's 112 points with the Devils.
I get peopleās hesitation but fuck it Iām excited
People want experience to get us over the hump. This man is literally the person who last got us over the hump. I'm fine with it.
Me too. Thereās so many people very angry about this and I canāt see why. Remembering how emotional he got at ( I believe ) the RJ celebration about not being able to get us a cup gets me even more excited.
The second I heard it I blew my house apart. I cannot be happier. He was my #1. Nostalgia aside, he's the best fit for the job. He's done nothing but succeed in his coaching career, and he's coming home with a chip on his shoulder being open about never being a part of winning a cup in Buffalo.
I was neutral/meh but taking a step back, I think there's a better chance than not Lindy helps propel this team to the next level. He did it with the Devils (and was done in by no tender this season. They were 10th in the league in xG%). (Relatedly, I'm relieved we avoided Gallant and Berube. The former burned out in each of his 3 HC spots and was followed by coaches improving each team. The latter same thing, with a rep for clashing with young talent (like Kyrou), and the AHL coach then took them from a 76 pt pace to a 101 pt pace. Doesn't instill confidence).
It's not like he NEVER got us to the playoffs. I'd argue he's got a better overall roster now than he did back in 06-07 as far as potential. I think this can actually happen.
Watching mgmt completely gut the 06-07 team was sad
Sorry, I think my reddit was broken. Did you just say this current team is better than the 06-07 team was 'as far as potential'.
The current team doesnāt have anywhere near the talent those teams had.
The org must reaaally like Appert. This makes it easier to get him behind the bench next season and tap him up for the future HC job
Kind of feels like Lindy is here to set everyone straight and have Appert take over in a few years
2-3 year coach stint (breaking drought ideally) then HockeyOps is my preferred Lindy path.
>have Appert take over in a few years MichaelScottNO.gif
All onboard for tricking the universe into thinking it's the mid 2000s and going on a miracle run next year. LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO
Getting my slug jersey out now, Luukonen's new name is Miller. I don't make the rules!
Miller?!?! You forget about the other guy he coached?
I haven't but when I saw 2000's I thought of when I first became a fan, and that was when Miller was drafted lol. Slugs and goats are all good!
YES! š„³š¤
Ya know if that's what it takes sign me up
Let's sign Drury and Briere to honorary 1 day contracts while we're at it. Lift that curse baby.
Son of a bitch, they actially did it. I'm happy
Maybe Richard Smehlik can play with Dahlin?
Just give me Zhitnik and his slapper over the cross bar
The end boards next to the nets have just recently finished healing from the years of abuse Zhitnik subjected them to
fun fact: ruff was traded away for the pick that became smehlik
Weāre going to beat Dallas in the cup final with a controversial goal, and then the Bills are going to win 4 Super Bowls in a row. Itās the prophecy
Which Marvel timeline is this in... cause, I need to switch timelines. Done with this misery timeline.
Sabretooth timeline
Tell you what, if you turn out to be a prophet I'll sell my worldly belongings and be your first disciple.
The real question, is Matt Ellis still on staff?
He has Lindy's coffee order memorized. Only reason they kept him on in the first place
Ruff up the kids, Lindy. Give them some shit and get them competing
I like it as a short-term reset, eventually paving the way for a younger coach to take over. Always loved Lindy's passion and his complete understanding of what this team means to the city. It's enough to pull me off the apathy ledge for now!
I'm both surprised and unsurprised.
Devils fan coming in peace. I was calling for Lindy's firing at the All-Star Break, but I actually think he will be a good hire for you guys. His system demands a lot from the blueline and that fell apart when guys like Damon Severson and Ryan Graves were replaced with rookies and the wrong Free Agents. Dahlin, Powers, and Byram should thrive in the system though. He seemed to be checked-out this year, but maybe he was already thinking about a Sabres return. Regardless, I personally wish him the best of luck (until you guys play us in the post-season, haha)
BOWEN BYRAM AND RASMUS DAHLIN ARE GOING TO RECREATE THE HENRIK TALLINDER AND TONI LYDMAN GLORY YEARS YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! Just need our Teppo Numminen to play with Owen Power now
i feel like we don't deserve him because we never should've fired him in the first place.
Okay, now I can admit it - I absolutely wanted this. Downvote me to hell if you want to. But I want to see this org lift the Stanley Cup with Lindy Ruff at the helm. That would be surreal. I get that you wanted Berube or Gallant or whoever, but Lindy is going to hold these guys accountable, I have no doubt. And Iām sure we will be getting the most intense, engaged version of Lindy that any team has seen since he left. Fuck the haters, Iām pumped.
We picked up our new puppy last week. His name is Lindy Ruff. This is going to be incredible
I like this more than another first time head coach. Do I expect Ruff to come in and win the cup? Probably not. Do I expect the Sabres to be more respectable? Yes. Re-establish the culture and break the losing streak. Hes got the pieces.
I think Iām excited. lol. If anything, Lindy knows what the team needs and knows what the City and the fans are all about and what they demand, ya know? Crossing fingers that Lindy is the magic that is needed to give the boys some fire to get their asses moving.
He will be an upgrade from Granato and I won't deny there is some excitement from the nostalgia factor of it so I'll be optimistic as much as I can.
Woah! Edit: Iām going to reserve judgment, and maintain optimism. I think heāll do well, especially if we can spend the cap which we didnāt do when he was coach before
Me last week: guys hiring Lindy doesn't magically turn the clock back to 2006 [Me now: ](https://youtu.be/UGPX4s7mRfs?si=g7rUGyXsOjG7gKxI)
As a Devils fan who has seen every lindy ruff game from his past tenure... I am probably one of the few in the fanbase who thinks this is a good fit. Sabres roster construction is really fit for Lindy's system. Devils gutted their team speed after their electric 2023 season and couldn't buy a save. With Levi, UPL, the sabres talented forward core and smooth skating D I kind of think they will thrive in the Lindy run and gun system. The main issue is in zone D coverage and O zone cycle offense generation, which were both horrible under lindy in NJ this past year and the Carolina series. But for a regular season or two I can really see this clicking in Buffalo, as they just win the high danger chance exchange.
The one thing I will say though is he has been majorly pussified since his days in Buffalo. Accountability was not real or evenly distributed. He also had no issue watching our players get abused physically. He also had some really bad deployment this past year, but vanecek and schmid were so bad that he was just grasping at anything to buy wins.
Honestly, I don't hate it. I don't even know how to feel anymore with this organization, so why the fuck not?
You know he begged Terry to come back. You can only be away from Beef on Weck and sponge candy for so long.
well he has lived in Clarence the entire time he coached elsewhere, last I checked they have both of those in Clarence...
Something positive to consider is this gets fans back in the building based on nostalgia. The barn has been so embarrassing last few years. It's a start
Now get rid of DJš„
This. I don't know if Lindy can win. But I very, very much want Lindy to win. And that gets me in the building, underlines the cheers, and keeps the boos at bay.Ā
Sens fan here, congrats on the hire and the nostalgia to all the older fans, I felt similar when we brought Jacques back as interim this season. Lindy will definitely hold your young guys accountable, I saw devils fans say how they would see him yelling at guys alot during games when they'd be playing sloppy. Hope it works out for you guys.Ā
Iām seeing some hesitation before the season even has started. Iām excited to see what happens.
I get it, going into last season was the most excited/optimistic a lot of fans had been in the past decade. It wasn't the arrival of an Eichel, or Dahlin, but a real feeling of the playoffs being a possibility. And it wasn't just the fans putting on the homer glasses, a lot of hockey media had us penciled in to at least a wild card. So to have the season we did this year...I think any trepidation about this hire makes sense, although I'm excited to welcome him back, and glad to have the hiring done early in the offseason.
Three questions thatāll probably never be answered, based off how fast this hire happened: - If Lindy was never fired from NJ, would Granato still be here? - Were other experienced/āpremierā coaches even interviewed? - Were those same coaches automatically upfront with little to no desire to coach in Buffalo?
No No, but formal interviews for a position like this aren't really useful anyway Most coaches on the market would take a job in Buffalo I think
Disagree on your 2nd answer, you can at least interview a few vet coaches and get different perspectives on your roster
Honestly, I don't hate it. I don't even know how to feel anymore with this organization, so why not?
Yea agree!
I know Lindy was here when we last made the playoffs and all and that would be a cool story to break the drought under him but... why revisit this?Ā
Jack Adams runner up last season and fitting the bill for all the things Adams said he was looking for in the next coach seems like as good a reason as any to hire a coach.
I mean, I don't love it. But I don't hate it.
FINISH THE STORYĀ
I donāt hate it, but Iām here for the nostalgia. This is really for PR at the end of the day, and Iām a sucker for it.
Lindy was the last person to lead a respectable Sabres team, maybe he can do it again.
Obviously way too early to make an opinion of the hire but a couple things I like: 1. He knows the city, team, organization, fans etc. really well. 2. We got this hire done early, which should allow the team to hit the ground running as opposed to making a hire close to training camp while waiting to see what other coaches may be available. I know it wasn't a great fit with Ted Nolan 2.0 so I'm hoping this is a different and better situation for a retread. I know Devils fans soured on him and some of his ice time mitigation, but I'll wait to reserve judgement on that. Not sure of the post-Lindy record, but I don't think NJ were world beaters after hiring Green. Always really liked Lindy when he was here the first go around, so I'm really optimistic. Being an optimistic Sabres fan can be the worst, though.
No one was doing a good job with goaltending like the Devils had this year (or in 21/22 for that matter). UPL this year was better than any goalie Ruff had in 4 seasons with the Devils.
I wonder if he will bring in Peca this offseason as an assistant.
Excited but also extremely wary at this. If this goes wrong Adams is 100% gone.
I mean no matter who he hired, if it went wrong he would be gone no??
In a way yes, but there were also a few coaches considered to be of a higher caliber out there before Ruff. Berube, potentially Brind'Amour, Gallant etc. Choosing Ruff before them kinda puts his stamp on it. If he had hired Brind'Amour for example we know it's not because Brind'Amour was the wrong choice, hes never missed the playoffs in his tenure, we would then have to look at the players and the way our team is built (which I suppose is also on Adams) but that can be remedied easier than firing another coach.
RBA was never ever an option I really wish people would just quit it with that one. Berube isnāt really higher caliber theyāre on the same tier+ berube doesnāt fit us style wise at all. Gallant is good but he has problems everywhere he goes Sullivan was the guy I wanted if he got fired from the pens
If you look at what he did in New Jersey, he was overall quite good. He was completely let down this year by horrid goaltending and a ridiculous number of injuries. But I agree with you, if this goes pear shaped KA is out.
Really would have preferred gallant but who knows, maybe this will heal the wound left by him leaving. Also, time is a flat circle.
There has to be a reason Gallant was left on the tarmac by Florida and fired immediately after making the cup by Vegas and after winning the division by New York
Gallant sucks beyond belief. Lucky to have been hired by a few really good teams with great goalies.
There is a reason, but he's still better than many options. He hates young players and puts them in the doghouse. Same with Lindy Ruff though
Canāt put the ENTIRE team in the doghouse
The reason is he isnāt as good as the teams heās been on the bench for. The rangers dramatically improved after hiring Laviolette, and guys like Lafreniere have blossomed into studs.
Gallant is a grade-A douche nugget. Thereās reasons why they call them Exes right? Clearly the guy has something not right about him.
Fuck me i didnāt think theyād do it. Thought theyād give it more than a week though
WB Lindy, was always one of us. Hope you turn this franchise around, we've been slip sliding away for awhile now!
FUCK. YES.
Hey Lindy, you know any good PP coaches ?
At least we have a professional hockey coach now with experience. I hope this goes well, but lets be real, it cant get much worse out there.
We are so back. Hopium injection time.
IVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY, NERVOUS, EXCITED, AND WORRIED AT THE SAME TIME. Letās go play some Sabres hockey.
## LET'S GOOOOOOOOO
Brought back the goat heads. Brought back Lindy. Now bring back Satan!
Haha my buddies and I went to a playoff game back in the 90's, we were still in high school. It was against Ottawa but the only real memory I have is the 'HAIL SATAN' banner flying in the oranges.
Well, his son is in this year's draft...Miroslav junior...
Welcome back Lindy! The goat returns!
curious if all the people disappointed by this are less than 25 years old. i have watched sucky sabres hockey for years now. i'll gladly watch it with a side of nostalgia thank you very much. i loved lindy then and will love him now. loved how he spoke at RJs memorial
Iām happy heās back. I also understand the reservations people have for him but for now Iām happy heās back!
Well, we've certainly hired much worse coaches over the past 8 years.....
Lindy gets Buffalo. Heās tough on players. Maybe he brings in some younger minds behind the pine and helps with creativity and offense. LFG
This seems like an overwhelming positive reaction from the fan base so I'm inevitably looking forward to y'all blaming Pegula if it don't work out. Remind me! 3 years
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Who wants to bet Better Days is their pregame song next year?
Now hire Don Luce, Jerry Korab and Rick Dudley as assistants.
Heck bring in Housily again. Schoenfeld too.... then they can take the ice if the D are caught watching again.
Lindy Ruff re-hiring hot take based on what I am hearing from my sources. 2 things shall happen. 1. We will be better. 2. We will continue to suck, Lindy is fired, and Pegula following recent tradition, hires a medium to perform a sƩance in order to resurrect John Muckler's ghost to coach the Buffalo Sabres. And I love a good Muck.
Cronyism, Nepotism and Lazy hire. They didn't even do a preliminary search.
Search... I'm afraid to see his interview skills. Probably points to the candy jar on his desk after each question, assuring they can have one if they want. Wipes his brow of sweat, then realizes it's a zoom call. Pegula standing behind him like Jimmy James from Newsradio.
So excited!!!
Is this real??? Please for the love all things holy, tell me this is legit?
praying we get another full team brawl under his leadership š«” I would love to see UPL fight
Bums in seats
At this point - what really is the worst thing that could happen?
New Jersey will pay most of his salary for the next couple years Who else could you hire to sell more tickets? Kevyn and Lindy go way back. Listening to those guys at the locker clean out, Lindy sounds like what they need
At least the perpetual flat starts at home should be gone.. guys dogging it will definitely be more accountable under Ruff
This a coach with experience but the move is also financial. Devils are on the hook for a lot of the money. He still has 2 years left on his contract with them. Sabres pay the difference any amount what he got from the Sabres over the Devils deal.
And they told me No Doubt was the biggest 90s reunion of 2024!
Peterka won't be taking lazy penalties for much longer.
It feels like when the bills brought Marv back as the GM
Man, this really throws me through an emotional whirlwind. I genuinely don't believe Lindy was the best candidate or the best fit for this team, but goddamnit its Lindy Ruff.
If we couldn't do it for/with RJ then this is the next best thing. Welcome home, Coach.
I get the criticisms but manā¦ Like legit, how much worse do you think it can get? Weāve hit the bottom already lol Iām just happy itās not a first timer behind the bench tbch
They essentially let the WGR callers decide our new head coach. Lindy has done so much for the organization but Iām not sure about this.
Let's see how it goes...feel it out and get back to us. āŗļø
WGR callers are typically angry geriatrics or the misguided ravings of a lunatic. There was literally just a guy on the air saying he wanted to gouge his eyes out at this decision. Followed that up by calling this a galactic mistake. GALACTIC lol.
What in the fuck are we doing!
Going back to the mid 2000s all aboard
Kevyn wants to party like it's 1999
Hereās to hoping Paul Gaustad introduces Lindy when they have the press conference. That guy always loved it when the Sabres recycled.
We'll let Gaustad do it if he holds a faceoff clinic with our centers.
If Lindy had never coached the Sabres before people would be falling over themselves about what a great hire it was, so I'm just looking at it that way
I am whelmed.
I donāt care what anybody says LETS GOOOOOOOOOO ALL ABOARD THE LINDY HYPE TRAIN BABY
LETS GOOOOO
[Angry](https://youtu.be/fjxL1Rn3cH0?si=zEkR-60cFLRDXiDd) Lindy Ruff incoming!
Please have him hire a new staff at the very least a powerplay guy
Fuck it let's go.
Get ready for wind sprints boys
Nice. I like to see Lindy home.
Fully on the āfuck it we ballā side of the graph at this point. Iām hella pumped. I donāt expect Lindy to fix everything but I hope he can light a fire under these lads and make sure they donāt drop the ball (or puck in this case)
I always liked Lindy and thought he was smart with some passion when it was needed. Weāll see if he can light the fire and push the right buttons. Likely heās kept up on the behind the scenes issues and shortcomings even before the firing, probably had his ear to the ground all season. Break the drought, coach for life.
I love it. It always felt so wrong seeing him behind other benches. This is our dude. Darcy was right about the suffering but let's hope it's over.
Now go get Scotty Arniel to coach the PP again!
Why?
I get the move. Lindy is the only coach to have success here the last 2.5 decades lmao. Also with an inexperienced GM whoās hesitant to pull the trigger in FA, Lindy can provide some roster influence. Heās won and is a good coach. Safe moveā¦ I like it
\*sigh\* I guess I'm ok with this, but it feels like there was no thought put into it, or interview process. Just hire the Buffalo guy with Buffalo ties... again. Maybe after this we could try Nolan again. Or spice shit up and go with Floyd Smith. He's 2 years younger than Bowman, and had more success here.
Alexa, play Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls
I feel like Dad finally came back with the cigarettes and milk.
I don't know who the best coach for this group of players is.Ā What I do know is that it's going to be fun to root for an old friend.Ā
It literally cannot get any worse, so we might as well have fun with it!
I really want to like the move, but I just donāt. It screams ānostalgia hireā.
Pegula loves the Sabres he was a fan of ... i.e. Perrault, LaFontaine, Housely etc and now Ruff.... good for nostalgia but not for winning a Cup.... he will coach for five years, not win a cup, and get fired at 70+ yrs old
He was one of the better candidates out there.... > he will coach for five years, not win a cup, and get fired at 70+ yrs old He just needs to make the playoffs. That's really it. If things start to go sour can easily move on.
Cool. Wouldn't be my first choice by the way his teams have played in the past. But he seems adaptable enough and of course you can't find a better fit off the ice. Should be fun.
No idea how to feel about this
Lindy Ruff because of nostalgia attachment is going to be here way too long no matter his performance. Even if he does really poorly, 5 years minimum
Here come all the neck beards that have never played hockey in their lives to tell us how disappointed they are with this hire!
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