Mixed reactions among fans to the news of Ruff's firing. YNN's Katie Cummings spoke with some about it and how they think it will affect the team.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Some Sabres fans are sympathetic to the man who has led the team for a decade and a half.

“It’s very shocking. For 15 years of coaching, and just a couple of bad games for him to be let go so easily," said Johnny Bielinski, Williamsville.

"I feel like so many people have a spot in their hearts for him so that part will probably be harder to fill than maybe the coaching aspect," said Katie Elkan, East Amherst.

Others say the change should have happened long ago.

"It’s been a long time coming actually. We haven’t won a playoff series since 2007 so it should have happened in 2008 if you ask me," said Scott Hall, Buffalo.

"Lindy's not that really like in your face type of coach, I mean, just from what the fans see, from him just behind the bench. It’s not like in your face and I think we need a coach more like that," said Tyler Charles, Buffalo.

Meanwhile, others are divided on the issue.

"It’s a win lose situation. I mean he's been around for so long. It’s hard to see as a Sabres fan and I can't really imagine anyone else sitting behind the bench but at the same time I think the team needs a change," said Josh Sadkin, Williamsville.

"I don't think it’s mostly his fault. I think the players have a lot to do with the bad record they have right now," said Austin Bianchi, East Amherst.

Fans say along with a new coach, it’s now up to the players to do better.

"Maybe it will push the team to work harder. They probably don’t want to switch around coaches all the time so maybe they'll work harder and try to group together and work through it," Elkan said.

"Maybe he can shine a different light, show them a different way and get them fired up. I mean, you can still turn the season around. It's not over yet," said George Smolen, Depew.

The team will work with the new coach, Ron Rolston, starting with Thursday's game against Toronto.