I wanted to go more in depth about one of the questions that I answered in the mailbag. I figured that wouldn't be a problem since I am an official Buffalo Sabres blogger.
The question:
How much longer are you willing to keep Lindy Ruff, if at all?
My answer was two more years, not including this one. Let me start by saying that I think Lindy Ruff is a great coach and I love that Buffalo has the longest-tenured one in the NHL.
He's been the coach for over half of my life, so when I think Sabres coach, he's the first one that comes to mind, followed by Ted Nolan. Not just because he is the current coach, but growing up, that was, and still is, the guy behind the bench.
Ruff has been the coach since the 1997-98 season, but what does he have to show for it?
Two division wins, a President's trophy, and a Stanley Cup Final appearance....but no Cup. I've always been a supporter of Ruff, but after every season, I start to feel more and more, that he needs to go. I still believe it could work.
I believe Ruff can coach this team to a deep playoff run in the next couple of years. He has a postseason record of 57-44, but 14 of those wins came in 1999. If you exclude that one year, the record drops to 43-37, not far from .500.
That's not too appealing, but he led the team there once (although on the shoulders of Dominik Hasek), can he do it again? If so, can the team pull through?
I really like where the team stands now, if there were hockey. I like how the lineup is beginning to look and it will be even better in the next year or so with a couple of young studs in there.
I think the team on the ice is ready to compete for the Northeast Division title. I think Terry Pegula has done a great job improving the atmosphere and setting a positive attitude. I think all that's left to do (besides end the lockout) is to lead the Sabres to the playoffs.
We have the players. We have the talent. We have the management. Now, it's time to win. Whether or not you believe Lindy's system is effective, it's the players on the ice that ultimately will determine just how good the team is.
I'm willing to let Lindy ride with this team for two more years. If he can't get anything done, then maybe it would be time to try someone else.
I understand people's frustration with Ruff, though. He's been here so long but has yet to win the ultimate prize. It is not a simple process to find a coach. Just look at the Bills. They have been rotating coaches and haven't made the playoffs since 1999.
I'll take my chances with the former Jack Adams award winner.
What's your take?
Start sending your questions in for Mailbag #2, which will be posted on Monday, December 10th. You can either message me, ask me on Twitter or type it into the form below.
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