The Buffalo Sabres have relieved head coach Lindy Ruff of his responsibilities, as general manager Darcy Regier announced on Wednesday afternoon that the organization has decided to fire its head coach.
A few hours later, the team would announce that Ron Rolston, head coach of the Sabres AHL affiliate Rochester Americans, has been named interim head coach.
The Sabres got off to a rocky start in 2013, as the club currently sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a 6-10-1 overall record. The team is currently in the midst of a two-game losing streak and are 3-7-0 in their last 10 games.
Ruff was originally hired by the Sabres in 1997 and led the team to the Eastern Conference Final in his first season. The next year, Ruff followed up the performance with an Eastern Conference championship and led the Sabres within two games of a Stanley Cup.
In 1,165 regular season games coached, Ruff compiled an overall record of 571-432-84 (with 78 ties). From the time he began his tenure with the Sabres to the day he was fired, 170 coaching changes were made in the NHL.
Ruff had signed an extension with the Sabres in April of 2011.
Darcy Regier announced this afternoon that Lindy Ruff has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. More to follow.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 20, 2013