TAMPA, Fla. — There was no way to misread this: Ryan Miller was not happy with his coach's criticism.

The Buffalo Sabres' goaltender, singled out by Lindy Ruff after Thursday's 2-1 loss to Florida, abruptly ended his interview today shortly after being told of Ruff's comments. The coach said the first goal "was an easy play for Ryan to read," and Miller used the slight to close his chat.

Told that he may face more odd-man rushes because the coach wants his defensemen to join the play more, Miller ... clearly taken aback by the earlier words and getting more emotional by the second ... uttered, "Well, I guess I'm going to have to read better," and took off toward the team bus.

It was an edgy day all around in the Tampa Ice Forum Center, as the Sabres practiced hard for more than 75 minutes and Ruff continually shouted at his players to perform better.

"I told them we're going to work harder," Ruff said. "We're going to continue to work harder. There won't be any days off. There won't be any mornings off. We're just going to keep working harder."

The Sabres, 2-8 in the past 10 games, face Tampa Bay on Saturday in St. Pete Times Forum. Defenseman Craig Rivet (upper body) is doubtful for the game. Forward Clarke MacArthur is questionable; he missed practice today after taking a shot off his ankle Thursday. Defenseman Mike Weber was returned to Portland of the American Hockey League.