Reality sinks in for Sabres as Lindy Ruff, Alex Tuch decisions loom

Reality sinks in for Sabres as Lindy Ruff, Alex Tuch decisions loom originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Buffalo Sabres are heading into a different sort of offseason than they've had in more than a decade.

And as the heartbreaking overtime loss on Monday night to the Canadiens sinks in more and more, it becomes apparent how pivotal these upcoming months will be. Nothing is guaranteed in the NHL. A surprise team one season can be back out of the picture again the next.

For the Sabres to stay relevant, they have to nail their moves in the days, weeks and months ahead. One key will be Lindy Ruff, the legendary head coach, who is viewed by some at least speculatively as a retirement candidate. Obviously if Ruff wants to come back, he'll be had back, so it's really just up to Ruff.

It would make sense for Ruff to want to continue with what he's built, but until there's certainty behind the bench, Sabres fans will anxiously await coaching news. MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way As far as the roster is concerned, Alex Tuch is the biggest question. Coming off a zero-point series against Montreal, Tuch didn't do himself any favors heading into unrestricted free agency.