Lindy Ruff puts Sabres players on high alert as new season begins

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff has urged his team to avoid a slow start ahead of Thursday night's season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ruff emphasized the importance of outworking opponents and taking no shifts for granted as Buffalo looks to rebound from three consecutive opening-game losses. The coach hopes to establish consistency early in the 84-game marathon following last year's sluggish beginning.

The article also reports that Buffalo agreed to a four-year, $16 million contract extension with defenseman Louis Crevier. Acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in the trade involving Bowen Byram, Crevier is slated to partner with Owen Power on the second defensive pair due to existing blue-line injuries.