Lindy Ruff hired as Stars Head Coach
Lindy Ruff did not have to wait long for his next coaching gig. After being let go by the Buffalo Sabres during the lockout shortened season, he was scooped up by the Dallas Stars to be their next head coach. Ruff reportedly received a 4-year contract. “I think we’ve got a good, young team, a good, talented young team” Ruff said.
The Stars have missed the playoffs the last 5 seasons. Ruff hopes to change that around. In Buffalo, Ruff made the playoffs 8 times, 4 conference finals appearances and 1 Stanley Cup appearance. In fact, it was almost 14 years to the day that Brett Hull scored the controversial game-winner over Ruff’s Sabres to clinch the Stanley Cup.
Ruff had the most victories of anyone to ever coach the Sabres. He had a record of 571-432-162. Before his firing, he was also the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. Ruff will now start another stint as head coach, hopefully he can be as successful as his last one.
Ruff had meant a lot to the Buffalo community. He was drafted by the Sabres and eventually became captain of the team. Ruff was also considered for the New York Rangers job, another team he played for.