Buffalo, NY

The slumping Buffalo Sabres have relieved Lindy Ruff of his coaching duties, ending his 16-year tenure with the team.

The Sabres decided to part ways with Ruff after 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets for their seventh defeat in last 10 games, dropping their record to 6-10-1, good for 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier announced the decision on Twitter. There was no immediate word on a replacement for Ruff but the team will host a press conference later Wednesday to discuss the situation.

Ruff, who played most of his NHL career for the Sabres, began coaching the team in 1997-98. He also played left wing and defense with the club from 1979 to 1989, giving him a 25-year association with the Sabres.

In his 16th season, Ruff was the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. He was also the second-longest tenured coach in North American pro sports next to Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs.

Ruff was the first coach to be fired this season.

Ruff led the Sabres to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final and had 571 regular-season wins, the best mark in club history, finishing his tenure with a 571-432-162 record.

The Sabres play their next game Thursday at the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

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Slumping Sabres fire head coach Lindy Ruff