VIDEO: Lindy Ruff thanks Sabres, fans

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Former Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff addressed the media in Buffalo Friday morning, days after being relieved of his duties as head coach. Ruff was the team’s coach for 16 years.

VIDEO | Watch the full press conference on this page

Ruff gave Terry and Kim Pegula a “great big thanks,” Friday morning from the First Niagara Center. He thanked other coaches, staff and the players.

Ruff called Terry Pegula the best owner in the league, adding, "My biggest disappointment is not getting it done for him."

Ruff called the team “a united group,” saying they are working hard. Ruff spoke about players from the past and said he wanted to thank players “from day one until now.”

"You don't last this long without good players, and without good players playing good for you, and scoring special goals. And I've had a lot of great memories. I've had memories of this building shaking," Ruff said.

Lindy Ruff gave the biggest thanks to the fans,  the "people who made this place real special for myself, the fans in western New York are number one."

PHOTO GALLERY | See Lindy Ruff through the years with the Buffalo Sabres

Lindy spoke about this season, saying, "I've looked at how we lost. I drive myself crazy. That falls with me. We weren't good enough to get through those games. And to take that step back against Winnipeg was like a kick in the gut for me."

If fans are wondering if Ruff watched Thursday night’s game against Toronto, his first game after being fired from the team, he said he watched the first period. Ruff said he "found it incredibly strange and had to turn it off."

Lindy Ruff signed off saying, “If you’re wondering what I’ve been up to, I’ve been driving around from Tim Hortons to Tim Hortons, rolling up the rim right now.”