By The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 9:15 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, February 21, 2013

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.”

The turnaround never came for Ruff and the Sabres (6-10-1), who are in the midst of a 4-10-1 slump following a 2-1 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.

It was a game in which the Sabres were booed several times for their turnover-filled and inconsistent effort.

“I think the last game was quite honestly a tipping point. And it was evident to me that we were searching for answers to too many questions,” general manger Darcy Regier said. “I think we were making some strides, but in the end, for every two steps forward, it was one step back, and sometimes not that.”

Ruff's dismissal ends his 16-season tenure in Buffalo, during which he became the franchise's winningest coach (571-432-162) and the NHL's longest active-serving coach with one team.

Among North America's four major pro sports, Ruff's tenure was second only behind Gregg Popovich, who's been coach of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs since 1996.

In the NHL alone, there had been 170 coaching changes since Ruff was hired July 21, 1997.

“I'm disappointed for myself. I'm disappointed for Lindy. And when I see the players, I'm disappointed for them, too.” Regier said.

“We should all be disappointed. As far as anger, we have too much work to do.”

Concussion for Skinner

Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has a concussion, and the team listed him on its injury report as day to day.

The NHL's 2011 rookie of the year missed the Hurricanes' loss at Montreal on Monday night with what was initially described as an upper body injury. He was hurt Feb. 14 in a win over Toronto but skated during practice the following day.

It's the second straight year Skinner has suffered a concussion.

Around the league

Anaheim signed Viktor Fasth to a two-year, $5.8 million contract extension, rewarding the Swedish goalie for his 8-0-0 start to his first NHL season. ... Canucks forward Jannik Hansen was suspended for one game by the NHL for roughing the Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa on Tuesday. ... Predators forward Rich Clune was fined $1,452.70 by the NHL on Wednesday for boarding Colorado Avalanche forward Aaron Palushaj.

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6. Roy rumored to be Avalanche’s new coach

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