Reunited, Ted Nolan and Pat LaFontaine pose for a photo op following the Sabres’ shake up.
latimes.com

Unless you were living in a cave, Terry Pegula finally took action firing GM Darcy Regier and coach Ron Rolston following the Sabres’ 3-2 shootout win over the Kings Tuesday. Pat LaFontaine was promoted to Team President and former coach Ted Nolan was hired.

The shake up still has the hockey world buzzing. An amazing 24-hour rollercoaster of emotions for Buffalo fans who rejoiced like our very own Brian Sanborn. Like many, he’d been waiting for this day. That it’s two familiar faces who are extremely popular makes it a great PR move.

How it will work out remains to be seen. LaFontaine was offered the GM position but wisely turned it down- citing lack of experience. Who they select will play a huge role in how long interim coach Nolan stays. The last time he was in this position, he and LaFontaine were with the Islanders. He lasted two years guiding them to a postseason appearance in ’06-07. He gets one more crack with the place it started. Nolan won a Jack Adams in ’96-97 after winning the Northeast Division and leading them to the second round. Then came his dismissal that remains a mystery to this day. All we know is it had something to do with Dominik Hasek. It’s great that he’ll get one more chance in Western New York.

Currently, the Sabres are 4-15-1 ranking last in the East. In 20 games, they only had one regulation/overtime win under Rolston. He was overmatched. They should’ve made it earlier following the John Scott nightmare. At least Pegula grew tired of the shenanigans. Buffalo is in a rebuild and Regier should be credited with getting great returns for Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek. But his firing was a long time coming. At the very least, he retrieved some good pieces in trades which will benefit Buffalo long-term.

So, what does it all mean? That the Sabres will become a harder team for opponents. Nolan’s teams always outworked the opposition. Something that happened with the Islanders whenever they faced the Rangers. It’s been a while since he ran an NHL bench. That will be interesting to follow. I don’t think you forget how to coach. In some aspects, it reminds me of what the Devils did bringing back Jacques Lemaire. He proved he still had it making something out of a lost ’10-11 in Jersey. Something Hasan can allude to.

Will it work? It can’t be any worse. Worst case scenario is they continue to struggle and move Matt Moulson at the deadline and probably Ryan Miller. It’s about the future. However, there will be a work ethic instilled which is necessary for young players’ development. Tomorrow, the Maple Leafs visit First Niagara Center. A fitting first opponent considering the rivalry. It should be interesting.