The Buffalo Sabres are ignominiously in the middle of the longest playoffs drought in NHL history, and their offseason activity shows that they are plainly aware of that fact. General manager Kevyn Ad

Here’s what we learned from Ruff’s first practice of camp.

New head coach Lindy Ruff has been impressed with what the 19-year-old brings to the ice through three training camp practices.

Ruff did not provide any specifics of whether Dahlin will be available by Saturday when the Sabres open their exhibition schedule at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but it would likely be the team’s approach to be cautious with their top defenseman.

Reforming their identity as a Lindy Ruff team after more than a decade wandering the wilderness outside playoff contention, the Sabres opened training camp Wednesday with hard practice sessions to meet the competitive standard the returning coach seeks to implement.

Ruff and his new team wasted no time attacking Wednesday's practice. With a preseason game just three days away and a trip to Europe next week, the Sabres have to make the most of their time together.

Lindy Ruff already has the Buffalo Sabres feeling the difference between he and Don Granato with intense and physical practices.