Slumping Sabres Practice Hard

BUFFALO (WIVB) - A normal Monday practice the day before a game might last 30-40 minutes.  But when you've lost four in a row, and bad habits are creeping in, it calls for drastic measures.  That's why Lindy Ruff ran his team through a hard 60 minute workout on Monday.

"Today was tough, tough, very tough," said captain Craig Rivet, "we worked real hard on getting our legs back and our minds focused."

Ruff was trying to send a simple message to his team.

"The big part is we just have to bring a little bit more.  We've played OK, but we haven't played hard enough," said Ruff.

This is the first prolonged slump of the season for the Sabres,who still lead the Northeast Division by one point over Ottawa.  They have just two wins in their last 10 games.

"We all know we have to play the system better, harder," said Mike Grier, "we're a little bit uptight, we're squeezing the sticks a little bit."

The Sabres host the Bruins Tuesday.  Boston just broke a 10 game winless streak with a win over Montreal on Sunday.  The Sabres have three games left before the Olympic break.

Pat Kaleta and Steve Montador did not skate Monday.  Kaleta remains out with a bone bruise in his foot.  Montador was hurt on a hit in Saturday's game against Columbus.  Ruff thought Montador could resume skating on Tuesday.