Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff understands the importance of taking every game seriously, even the first night of an 84-contest, seven-month marathon, and he's relayed that to his players ahead of Thursday night's season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ruff didn't mince words when asked about how the Sabres must approach the beginning of the 2026-27 season after getting off the a sluggish start (11-14-4) last year.
"Be ready to outwork and outskate the opposition in Game 1," the longtime NHL coach told reporters. "Play our game better than they're going to play their game. But don't take any shift for granted."
The Sabres have struggled mightily in season-opening games recently. They've lost their last three by a combined score of 13-2, including a 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers last year.
"I think we've had a chance, couple nights to look around the league to see what's going on," Ruff said. "I think there's been some erratic play. I'm hoping our group is ready. We gotta put the work in, use our speed and be ready to go."
He later added: "You gotta believe in how we need to play."
It's a travesty Ruff didn't win last season's Jack Adams Award for leading the Sabres to their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2011. Voters from the NHL Broadcasters' Association instead decided to make it a lifetime achievement award for Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning, whose team finished three points behind Buffalo in the standings.
The Sabres bench boss finally got his players to buy into a consistent system after years of stubborn mistakes from the same core. They bought into an up-tempo style that allowed the club's star-studded defensive corps to have a bigger impact on the game, and it worked to near perfection.
Now comes the tough part: Backing up those results, which included a 50-23-9 record and an Atlantic Division title, to prove they weren't a one-year wonder.
It's a challenge made more difficult by the offseason departures of Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram. The front office opted against any high-profile additions to replace those cornerstones, and will instead bet on the internal growth of young players to fill the void.
That's going to put more pressure on Ruff's shoulders, particularly early in the season as Buffalo attempts to find the right lineup combinations to remain contenders in the loaded Eastern Conference.
Lindy Ruff comments on Sabres defenseman Louis Crevier after contract extension
Buffalo announced an agreement with Louis Crevier on a four-year, $16 million contract extension ahead of Thursday night's clash with the Blue Jackets.
Crevier was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in the blockbuster Byram trade. He enjoyed a standout training camp, illustrating himself as a high-upside third-pairing defender capable of climbing up the depth chart when injuries arise.
"We watched him in the games, he's moved the puck well, skated well," Ruff said. "I think there was a little concern coming off the [shoulder] surgery this summer but everything looks great. I think he's gonna be a great fit for our hockey club."
Crevier spent some time skating alongside Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin on the top pair while fellow blueliner Mattias Samuelsson was sidelined by injury. Samuelsson should play against Columbus, but Olen Zellweger and Conor Timmins remain out.
That's going to push the 6-foot-8 Canadian on to the second pair with Owen Power, where he'll be asked to handle the net-front defensive responsibilities, giving the 2021 No. 1 overall pick more offensive freedom.
The fact Buffalo's front office, led by general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, felt comfortable giving the 25-year-old defender an extension before he played a single regular-season game with the franchise speaks volumes about the instant impression he's made.
Make no mistake, Crevier still isn't a finished product six years after the Hawks selected him in the seventh round of the 2020 draft. But he's made enough positive strides and has enough impressive raw tools to make a team-friendly bet on his future, and the Sabres didn't pass up that chance.
Buffalo now has five defensemen signed for at least the next three years: Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, Zellweger and Crevier, while prized prospects Daxon Rudolph and Radim Mrtka are on the way.
The future of the blue line looks extremely bright in Western New York.
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