Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff believes Thursday night's 5-2 preseason road loss to the Detroit Red Wings is a perfect example of young players learning the importance of compete level in the NHL.
The Sabres iced a young, prospect-filled roster against a stronger Red Wings group with more proven NHLers, so the result itself wasn't much of a surprise. Instead, Buffalo's coach is hoping it serves as a learning experience for some future full-time members of the team's roster.
"I think it just tells you that when it comes to compete, NHL compete, it's hard," Ruff told reporters.