Ruff: 'I've let too many guys off the hook'

Lindy Ruff is putting himself underneath the microscope.

The Dallas Stars head coach is preaching accountability as his team sits outside the Western Conference playoff picture, and that includes those standing behind the bench.

"I have to do a better job," Ruff said Wednesday, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas News. "I have to hold them more accountable. I've let too many guys off the hook."

The Stars had high expectations after winning the Central Division and coming within one win of the Western Conference Final last season, but following a 9-9-6 start, the club sits nine points behind first-place Chicago and one point back of a wild-card spot.

Last year's campaign, Ruff reminded, was not without struggles, giving reason to believe his players can pull themselves out of their collective funk.

"We went through this last year," said Ruff, pointing to 1-5-2 and 1-6-0 stretches Dallas endured last January and February. "I think we're struggling and saying, 'There's got to be an easier way.' But there is no easier way. You have to put the work in."

It's up to the coach to ensure everyone is on the right page, and Ruff admits he must do a better job.

"When I get my top guys on the right side, then we will win games on a consistent basis," he said. "I'm looking at the job I've been doing, and it hasn't been good enough because the guys I take so much pride in aren't on the right side for me, and that bothers me."