Results for: Playoff Drought

Eleven years after being fired as the Sabres’ winningest coach, Lindy Ruff has been rehired to lead the team. Ruff, now 64, spent 14-plus seasons coaching the Sabres, including their last postseason appearance in 2011. He ranks fifth on the career list with 1,774 games coached and 864 victories, with a franchise-record 571 coming in Buffalo. Ruff takes over a team that has endured an NHL-record 13-season playoff drought and is in the midst of a rebuilding phase. He replaces Don Granato, who was fired after three-plus seasons behind the bench.

The Saskatchewan Rush’s season came to an end on Saturday with a heartbreaking 12-11 loss to the Toronto Rock, marking their third consecutive year outside of the NLL playoff picture. After a strong finish to the season, the Rush fell one goal short of clinching a playoff spot, leaving a bitter taste for captain Ryan Keenan and the team. Despite inconsistent play throughout the season, the Rush showed signs of promise with breakout performances from several young players, including Zach Manns, Mike Triolo, and Nathaniel Kozevnikov. The team remains optimistic about the future, with the majority of the current core expected to return and star forward Robert Church signing a contract extension. However, there is still work to do as the Rush aim to return to their championship-winning caliber and reach the next level in the 2024-25 season.

After nine years, Lindy Ruff is back at the helm of the Buffalo Sabres. The veteran coach, who holds the record for most games coached in Sabres history, returns to the franchise where he spent 16 seasons. Ruff’s return comes with high expectations, as the Sabres have endured the league’s longest playoff drought, spanning 13 seasons. With promising young talent and a revamped roster, Ruff will aim to guide the Sabres back to the postseason for the first time since 2011.