Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsThursday, June 25, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Lindy Ruff returns to Buffalo: Sabres honor former coach

The Buffalo Sabres honored former coach Lindy Ruff in his return to Buffalo on Monday night.

by Adam Gretz
Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

Lindy Ruff made his first return to Buffalo on Monday night, and the Sabres honored their former coach with a video tribute during the game's first TV timeout.

Ruff spent 15 seasons behind the Sabres bench, coaching 1,165 games and compiling a 571-432-162 record before he was fired early last season.

Ruff was then hired by the Dallas Stars before the 2013-14 season.

During his time in Buffalo, the Sabres made the playoffs eight times, advancing to the Eastern Conference finals four times and the Stanley Cup Finals once. It was there that the Sabres lost to Ruff's current team in six games on Brett Hull's Game 6 overtime goal.

Here is the tribute video the Sabres put together for Ruff on Monday.

And here is the standing ovation he received from the Buffalo fans.

More from SB Nation NHL:

• Jakob Silfverberg out 4 weeks with broken hand

• Martin Hanzal facing discipline for Jeff Petry hit

• Watch Tampa Bay’s hilarious own goal

• Explaining the unexplainable: What does “chemistry” mean?

• The Goal: The rivalry between two high schools where hockey is life

See More:

More in NHL

NHL
Florida Panthers all-in trade for Brady Tkachuk is bold, but it might not be smartFlorida Panthers all-in trade for Brady Tkachuk is bold, but it might not be smart
NHL

There’s a lot to like (and a lot to dislike) with this trade.

By James Dator
NHL
How the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynastyHow the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynasty
NHL

The Stanley Cup champs have everything set to turn into a dynasty.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley CupNHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley Cup
NHL

Our first look at the 1st round following the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NHL
The Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at allThe Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at all
NHL

The Canes have only one path left to win the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NBA
Ticket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale marketTicket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale market
NBA

Sports are being torn apart by scavengers.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredibleNHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredible
NHL

This is such a good idea.

By James Dator

The Latest