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Lindy Ruff coaching timeline: How Sabres' coach of last playoff team returned to get Buffalo back 15 years later
TL;DR
Lindy Ruff returns as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, marking the team's first playoff appearance since April 2011. Ruff previously led the team during their last postseason run 15 years ago.
Key points
- Lindy Ruff returns as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres
- Sabres last played a postseason game in April 2011
- Buffalo is making its playoff return in April 2026
- Ruff was the head coach during the last playoff run
- The journey back to the playoffs has not been straightforward
Mentioned in this story
Lindy Ruff
Buffalo Sabres
Lindy Ruff coaching timeline: How Sabres' coach of last playoff team returned to get Buffalo back 15 years later originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lindy Ruff was here the last time this happened.
The thing about it is, it's been a really long time since the Buffalo Sabres were in the playoffs.
They last played a postseason game in April 2011. It's now April 2026 and they're making their return.
Ruff was the head coach of Buffalo back then, and he is now -- but it hasn't been a straight line.
The now-66 Ruff took multiple detours in between, but it's fitting that he was the guy to bring Buffalo back to the postseason after all these years away.
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Lindy Ruff coaching timeline
Assistant coaching
Ruff was an assistant coach of the Florida Panthers for three seasons. That included on the staff of the 1995-96 team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals.
He also would be New York Rangers assistant coach from 2017 through 2020.
Buffalo Sabres (1st time)
Ruff coached the Sabres from 1997 through 2013.
They reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999 but lost to the Dallas Stars and Brett Hull.
Q&A
When did the Buffalo Sabres last make the playoffs before 2026?
The Buffalo Sabres last made the playoffs in April 2011.
Who was the head coach of the Sabres during their last playoff appearance?
Lindy Ruff was the head coach of the Sabres during their last playoff appearance in 2011.
What significant event is happening for the Buffalo Sabres in April 2026?
In April 2026, the Buffalo Sabres are returning to the playoffs after a 15-year absence.