Ruff Times in Buffalo

The Buffalo Sabres parted ways with long time head coach Lindy Ruff today after struggling mightily out of the gate this year. Much was expected of the Sabres who are among the top ten in the league in payroll and new owner Terry Pegula spent a lot of money on players like Tomas Vanek, Tyler Myers, Jordan Leoplod, Christian Ehrhoff and Jason Pomminville with the expectations of being a contender. Thus far, while Vanek and Pomenville have played well, the rest of the team isn't. Star goaltender Ryan Miller has been inconsistent at best and called his team out after a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh Sunday in which they coughed up the lead late in the third period only to have the team play a stinker of a game and lose 2-1 to Winnipeg at home last night. They were booed off the ice and that proved to be the last straw as Ruff was let go earlier today. The looks on the players face said it all. They knew it was there fault and they now have to prove that they are capable of being better. Many insiders felt GM Darcy Regier's fate would be tied to Ruff's as he is the one who gave him the players to work with, but it looks like he will have a bit more time to work with though one would imagine he is on a very short leash. This is a team that has a lot of talent, on paper, but clearly hasn't lived up to anyone's expectations and the usual questions were asked. Why is that? Did they stop listening to the coach? Is it chemistry or lack there of? The answer may be all of the above. The biggest concern for the Sabres is keeping the puck out of their own net. Their defensive core has been brutal and this may have not been more evident than last night when Bryan Little was left all alone in front Ryan Miller and buried a pass from behind the net while all five Sabres defenders were almost below the blue line. Pewee teams have more structure. Where they go from here is interesting as Ruff was a well liked guy in Buffalo over his 16 years and was known for getting a lot out of a little. The new bench boss will have to get more out of his team or they could again find themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in.