3 reasons why bringing back Lindy Ruff makes perfect sense for the Sabres

Ruff will bring structure Don Granato rarely brought

Remember in that first slide when I mentioned someone like John Tortorella would have been great for the Sabres? It’s because I was thinking of a coach who would bring structure and a no-nonsense approach while setting the bar high. 

The minute the Sabres introduce Lindy Ruff as head coach, expect a similar outcome. He’s setting the standard here in April, and he will demand for each player to reach that standard. While Granato, like any NHL head coach, would hold players to a standard, you can’t help but think he wavered on it one too many times, something Lance Lysowski of Buffalo News implied.

Ensuing statements from players like Tage Thompson and Connor Clifton only add fuel to the thought that Granato didn’t always bring that structure. Yeah, Granato was a good guy, and he deserves a ton of credit for helping develop this team. But when you’re a head coach, you must consistently send a message that you’re in charge, and it wasn’t always the case for Granato. 

Ruff won’t let that happen, and it’s why he’s seen continued success regardless of where he coaches in the NHL. If you don’t give young teams guidance, they will go astray, and that’s what happened to the Sabres this past season. Give them the kind of structure they need, and watch them supersede expectations. It’s why Lindy Ruff is back in town, and rightfully so.