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Buffalo writer calls out owner, wonders why Regier and Ruff haven’t been fired

Lindy Ruff

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff gives instructions during the first day of the team’s NHL hockey training camp in Buffalo, N.Y. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)

AP

Even with the Sabres beating the Islanders last night, things don’t look good for the Sabres.

Ryan Miller has, more often than not, saved their bacon on defense but their issues are obvious (lack of scoring depth, giving up too many shots, poor defense) and for some in Buffalo have been there for too long without anything being done about them.

That’s where The Buffalo News’ Bucky Gleason comes in. His column in today’s paper excoriates owner Terry Pegula for turning the Sabres into a team to be laughed at.

Here are some choice snippets.

And the general opinion from a wide range of hockey minds – general managers, scouts, agents, league officials, former players – is that Pegula’s success in the real world means almost nothing in the sports world. Most are stunned Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff have survived when common sense called for their dismissal long ago.

Yikes. What else though, Bucky?

In truth, his affection for the Sabres, while admirable, has worked against him. They needed a cold, distant evaluation that would have revealed changes were in order. Members of his inner circle told him to clean house. Instead, he became smitten with Regier and Ruff. He embraced status quo and, with that, accepted mediocrity.

For what it’s worth, the Sabres have 11 points and are tied for eighth in the East with Philadelphia, Winnipeg, and Carolina. That’s not esteemed company at the moment given how those teams also have issues of their own.

Related:

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