Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff is once again in the spotlight after being named a finalist for the NHL’s Jack Adams Award, recognition that follows one of the most dramatic turnarounds in franchise history. The honor, awarded annually to the coach judged to have contributed most to his team’s success, places Ruff alongside Pittsburgh’s Dan Muse and Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper.
Ruff, who won the award in 2005-06, is now a finalist for the fifth time in his career. This season may be his most compelling case yet. He guided Buffalo to the Atlantic Division title with 109 points, the fifth-highest total in franchise history, while leading the Sabres to 50 wins — a mark reached only three times in team history, all under Ruff.
The season’s defining stretch began December 9, when Buffalo sat at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. A win that night in Edmonton sparked a 10-game surge that reshaped the season. From that point forward, the Sabres posted the NHL’s best record, collecting 39 wins and a league-leading .783 points percentage.
Buffalo’s rise came in the league’s toughest division, which featured five playoff teams and six clubs with at least 90 points, making the climb even more significant.
Most importantly, Ruff led the Sabres back to the postseason for the first time since 2011, ending the longest playoff drought across the four major North American men’s professional sports leagues.
The Jack Adams Award winner is selected by members of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].