"James Patrick feels completely comfortable running the Sabres. The Buffalo assistant coach, in his sixth season on the bench, is in charge of nearly all the team's optional practices. There have been a lot, so assuming control while coach Lindy Ruff takes a breather is nothing new.

There's a chance those head coaching stints could escalate to regular-season games. Ruff was too sore to coach Tuesday, one day after breaking three ribs during a practice collision. General Manager Darcy Regier said Ruff is "day to day" and could miss tonight's game against Boston in First Niagara Center.

"I'm hoping and expecting to see him here," said Patrick, who would take over if Ruff is unable to attend. "We're going to prepare the team like normal. It's going to be the same routine. ... We're going to do everything we can to get ready to win a game. That's our focus."