VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Lindy Ruff was having the time of his life during the 2010

Winter Olympics even though it has been more work than play as an assistant coach for Canada.

By the way, he was happy for Ryan Miller and Chris Drury even though the Americans beat his

team last Sunday.

"It's been awesome," Ruff said after Canada held its morning skate Friday and before it beat Slovakia to set up a rematch with the U.S. "The whole experience has been awesome. The hockey end of it has

been hectic. We put a lot of hours in. It's been hockey every day. It's been a great

experience this far."

The Sabres coach has been working under Mike Babcock, the Detroit Red Wings' bench boss.

The other assistants are New Jersey Devils coach Jacques Lemaire and former Columbus Blue

Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock. Canada had its morning workout before the United States beat Finland in the semifinals.

All four have been successful in the NHL and all four have different philosophies and

approaches. As you would imagine, there have been a few arguments in their coaching office

over the past week-plus, especially after Canada struggled before losing to the Americans on

their home soil.

"When you have four guys that just sit in the room that all do things a little bit

differently, sometimes it's heated. Oh, yeah, it has," Ruff said. "It's been intense,

sometimes. Let me put it this way: I have a whole new appreciation for assistant coaches."

Ruff stood behind the bench and watched Miller and Drury lead their Yanks to the thrilling

5-3 victory over Canada. Miller made 42 saves and essentially carried the United States to

victory. Drury, the former Sabres' captain, scored a huge goal. Ruff was hardly surprised

after seeing them do the same for his team a few years ago.

"The Olympics is all about great performances, and that was a great performance," he said.

"I used the words "well done.' It brought back good memories and bad memories at the same

time."

The Sabres resume the regular season Tuesday in Pittsburgh. He wasn't sure if Miller would

play against the Penguins after a busy Olympic schedule combined with the intensity of the

games. He has been impressed with how well Miller has withstood the pressure under difficult

conditions.

"It was an Olympic performance," Ruff said. "He's as excited as anybody about playing, like

most athletes. If you're not excited about playing, don't bother being here. He's excited."