Ruff was unaware of the looming milestone as the Sabres overcame a pair of one-goal deficits to beat the division-rival Senators. Recognized at the final horn, however, the 65-year-old began to reflect on his 16 seasons in Buffalo.

Ruff is in the first season of his second stint in Buffalo, and improved his record with the franchise to 600-467-90 with 78 ties. Ruff trails only Al Arbor, who won 740 games with the New York Islanders.

Buffalo's Tage Thompson scored the go-ahead goal 1:23 into the third period, helping Lindy Ruff to become just the NHL's second coach to win 600 games with one franchise, as the Sabres posted a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.