Ruff fired as Sabres coach after 16 seasons

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Buffalo, N.Y. • Lindy Ruff is out as coach in Buffalo, meaning the slow-starting, inconsistent and sometimes lethargic Sabres have now become Ron Rolston's mess to clean up.

Rolston was promoted from the Sabres' minor-league affiliate, AHL Rochester, to finish out the season as Buffalo's interim head coach Wednesday.

The move was made hours after Ruff was fired amid growing criticism for the team's early season struggles.

And it came less than a week after Ruff had defiantly said he wasn't done trying to "clean up this mess."

Ruff's dismissal ends his 16-season tenure in Buffalo, during which he became the franchise's winningest coach (571-432-162).

Hansen suspended • Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen has been suspended for one game by the NHL on Wednesday for roughing Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa.

The incident occurred at 1:10 of the third period during Chicago's 4-3 shootout win on Tuesday. Hossa had to be helped off the ice after Hansen hit him in the back of the head with his left forearm. Hossa eventually got up and went to the bench as Hansen made his way to the penalty box to serve his 2-minute penalty for roughing. Hansen will miss Vancouver's game against Dallas on Thursday.

The Associated Press