BOSTON -- The Sabres spent the penultimate day of the 2011-12 season reflecting on missed opportunities, practicing longer than they had in months and, for Marcus Foligno and Corey Tropp, saying their goodbyes.
Following an hourlong on-ice session at Boston University, Foligno and Tropp packed their gear and began a journey back to the minor leagues. The Sabres have sent the rookies to Rochester, and they will play for the Amerks on Saturday in Hamilton.
Coach Lindy Ruff used today to tell the team it just wasn't good enough when it mattered. He was unhappy with his forwards for failing to score and with defenseman Robyn Regehr for allowing Philadelphia forward Matt Read to get by him for the winning goal Thursday night.
Ruff gathered the players in a circle at the start of practice, Agganis Arena going stone silent except for the coach's words. After working the players for 60 minutes, the coach gathered them for another one-sided chat.
The Sabres then departed and will reconvene Saturday to face the Bruins in a meaningless season finale.
---John Vogl
