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.

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.

At the end of last season, Buffalo Sabres players said they wanted to practice harder and be pushed by their new coach. Lindy Ruff granted that wish on the first day of training camp. There was a clear emphasis on pace and back-checking in a lot of the drills Ruff ran in the first 30 minutes of practice.