Sabres' Lindy Ruff Embraces Playoff Jitters Ahead of Big Game

Veteran coach looks to steady young Sabres squad in long-awaited postseason return

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:59pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the intense action of a hockey game, with players, sticks, pucks, and arena elements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant blue, red, and gold colors.Ruff's veteran leadership aims to steady the Sabres' young roster as they embrace the electric atmosphere of their long-awaited playoff return.Buffalo Today

Ahead of the Buffalo Sabres' first playoff game in 15 years, veteran head coach Lindy Ruff is embracing the butterflies and anticipation that come with the high-stakes matchup against the Boston Bruins. Despite his extensive playoff experience as both a player and coach, Ruff acknowledges the unique pressure the Sabres and their fanbase are feeling after such a long drought. He aims to channel that energy positively while also providing steady leadership for a young roster with little postseason exposure.

Why it matters

The Sabres' return to the playoffs after a 15-year absence is a momentous occasion for the franchise and its passionate fanbase. Ruff's experience and ability to manage the heightened emotions and expectations will be crucial in helping the team navigate their first playoff run in over a decade.

The details

Ruff, who coached the Sabres during their most successful era in the late 1990s and 2000s, is no stranger to the intensity of the NHL playoffs. As a player in the 1980s, he was part of many physical playoff battles against the Bruins, which used to keep him awake at night with anticipation. Now as a coach, Ruff wants his young Sabres squad to embrace the electric atmosphere at KeyBank Center for Game 1, but also maintain their focus and routines. The Sabres have 11 players making their NHL playoff debuts, including captain Rasmus Dahlin and leading scorer Tage Thompson, so Ruff's steady hand and playoff wisdom will be invaluable.

  • The Sabres' last playoff appearance was in the 2010-11 season, ending a 14-year drought.
  • Game 1 of the Sabres-Bruins first-round series is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Lindy Ruff

A veteran NHL head coach who previously guided the Sabres during their most successful era, including a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1998-99. Ruff has extensive playoff experience as both a player and coach.

Rasmus Dahlin

The Sabres' captain and top defenseman, making his NHL playoff debut after 11 seasons with the team.

Tage Thompson

The Sabres' leading scorer, also making his first NHL playoff appearance.

Marco Sturm

The Bruins' head coach, who played against Ruff's Sabres teams in the 2000s as a player.

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What they’re saying

“The game is different. The intimidation was a huge part of the game. Back then, fighting was a big part of the game. Every team probably had four or five guys that could take care of almost anybody. And those series we had with the Bruins were examples of it. But the game is in a lot better place now.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres

“Don't forget, the pressure is on them, too. They've been waiting for this moment. Not just the players, but the whole organization, the fans, the city have been waiting for that moment. So there is a lot of pressure on the whole team.”

— Marco Sturm, Head Coach, Boston Bruins

“It's definitely a sense of confidence with him. He's been through it so many times. He knows what to do in a playoff series. He knows what it takes. So we've had a bunch of good meetings now leading up to this game. It's gonna be fun.”

— Rasmus Dahlin, Captain, Buffalo Sabres

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.