PHILADELPHIA -- Like so many coaches, Lindy Ruff has uttered the phrase this season, "I have to be better."
The statement can be a lifeline to the players, a pitch to the fans, or an assurance to management that, in tough times, the coaching staff really does take responsibility. But what does it mean? How can a coaching staff be better?
Ruff said it's not the amount of work or study the group puts in, but rather how it puts that work to use. He said the key is not always digging for more information, but in finding the subtle tweaks to get players to play better.