Lindy Ruff achieves milestone win as Buffalo Sabres coach
- Lindy Ruff achieved his 600th win as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres during a game against the Ottawa Senators.
- Tage Thompson scored the decisive goal in the third period after the Sabres overcame two deficits.
- Despite the win, Ruff remains focused on improving the team, reflecting on their pursuit for consistency.
In Buffalo, New York, Tage Thompson scored the decisive goal early in the third period of a tightly contested game against the Ottawa Senators, securing a 3-2 victory for the Sabres. This win marked a significant milestone for head coach Lindy Ruff, as he became the NHL's second coach to win 600 games with a single franchise. The game took place on a Tuesday night, showcasing Buffalo's resilience as they overcame two one-goal deficits to clinch the win. The Sabres continued their trend of playing spoiler to teams vying for playoff positions, taking this victory just two days after defeating the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets. Despite the milestone achievement, Ruff expressed mixed emotions following the win, highlighting his ongoing commitment to improving the team. In the closing weeks of the season, the Sabres were striving for a more consistent performance, as Ruff reflected on the disappointment of not fully achieving his goal to transform the Sabres into winners during his first season of his second tenure with the team. He credited the support from former general managers and owners, as well as the fan base, noting it significantly contributed to his success. This victory also had ramifications for the Senators, who squandered an opportunity to strengthen their playoff position against a struggling Sabres team. With Ottawa fighting to secure a playoff spot for the first time in seven years, this loss was particularly damaging and highlighted their vulnerability in clutch situations. The Senators were unable to hold onto leads and ultimately fell short, illustrating the importance of seizing opportunities in the closing weeks of the season. Ruff's tenure with the Sabres has been marked by a long and storied history, having previously led the team for over 14 years in his first stint. His milestones include leading the club to the Stanley Cup Final and earning accolades such as the NHL's Coach of the Year. Coming back to coach the Sabres again in April, Ruff has worked diligently to reinvigorate a team that has struggled in recent years. The players' recent performances have shown promise and resilience, bolstered by strong individual showings that have reignited hopes for a turnaround in Buffalo's hockey fortunes.