By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – As the Buffalo Sabres continue celebrating some on-ice successes and milestones, their head coach is faced with a difficult family matter.
It was revealed last weekend that the 11-year-old daughter of Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has an unidentified mass on her brain. Since that time, his daughter Madeleine has been undergoing more testing as doctors try to diagnose her situation. But Ruff continues working with the team through this difficult time. Sabres spokesman Mike Gilbert says Ruff attended Thursday's practice and game.
"He hasn't missed any games this weeks, he has missed a couple of practices, but we are just taking it day to day right now," Gilbert said.
Ruff has declined to speak publicly. Gilbert says there were no new updates on the condition of Ruff's daughter as of Thursday. Gilbert says the family is obviously going through a difficult time and prefers to keep the matter private.
"He is keeping it separate from his public job as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres," Gilbert said. "They are doing well and Lindy and his family are appreciative of the nice comments they've received from people. They really appreciate it and want everyone to keep them in their prayers."
Gilbert says public support for Ruff has been great.
"People have called and sent things. He just, right now, has asked if he could keep this as a private matter between him and his family, and we are honoring his wishes."
In the midst of this sad news, the Sabres are heading into their final 18 games of the regular season. Gilbert says the success and fan reaction at the box office has been overwhelming. He believes a number of things have lined up including a balanced team, that has played together for a couple of years and now has great chemistry.
If the Sabres qualify for the playoffs, the games are scheduled to begin the weekend of April 21st.