Dallas Stars hire Lindy Ruff as head coach

New Stars coach Lindy Ruff may be asked if he still believes Brett Hull's skate was in the crease in Game 6 of the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals. (Bill Wippert/NHL/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars followed through with president Jim Lites' Thursday prediction by announcing Lindy Ruff as the team's head coach Friday morning.

A Stars press release touts Ruff, 53, as the 12th-winningest head coach in NHL history, one of just 17 coaches with at least 500 wins and the NHL's third-winningest active coach.

From DallasStars.com:

"One of the trademarks of successful organizations is their ability to have continuity and stability for an extended period of time," said general manager Jim Nill. "It is clear from Lindy's record, and from our own conversations, that we have found the right person to provide that stability and lead this club to the next level. His steady hand and experience will prove invaluable in returning our team as a top-tier contender in the NHL."

Ruff coached the Sabres for 15 seasons, building a 571-432-162 record before being fired in February. He coached against the Stars in the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals and later won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year in 2006.

"I am honored to be joining the Dallas Stars organization," said Ruff. "After speaking at length with Jim Nill, it was clear that all the right pieces are coming together to return this club to the upper-echelon of the NHL. I look forward to leading its resurgence."

if he still thinks