An abbreviated Sabres training camp got underway Wednesday morning with the bulk of the NHL roster headed to Europe next week.

So it's important to impress early and often. 

The man to impress is once again head coach Lindy Ruff, who is making his second stint behind the bench of the Sabres. He has the hopes of returning the team back to the glory days of the early 2000s. 

"The focus on today was high compete a lot of high compete," Ruff said. "A lot of physicality. There was a couple drills that pushed them to the limit. We wanted to see the compete first. I think you can build your fitness in the compete some of those up and down the ice for five minutes. That's a tough skate for them. I was impressed. I liked the day. I liked the practice. I liked what the group did."

It's been 13 years since the team got to the postseason. There are plenty of skeptics saying this will not be the year. However, in the building, hopes are high that this team is about to take the next step. 

"If people want to be skeptical, fine, I get that, but it is up to us to win," general manager Kevyn Adams said. "We have said this over the last few years. But I am excited about this group. Hopefully the people you are referring to, who I don't pay attention to um are on board and can't get a ticket in the playoffs."

Star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin sustained an injury early in the practice, and is currently being evaluated, according to Ruff.

The Sabres continue training camp Thursday morning.