Lindy Ruff had reason to smile. Not just because the New Jersey Devils were in the midst of a winning streak that would reach 11 games, but because the same fans who had called for his dismissal at the start of the season had audible apologized:
"Fire Lindy!" had become "Sorry, Lindy!"
That happens when your team is suddenly leading the Metropolitan Division, has the second-best record in the NHL and is dominating at both ends of the ice.
"I accept the apology," Ruff said. "Someday, us and the fans are going to sit down and have a beer and laugh about that one.