updated 12:19 a.m. ET March 14, 2006

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff could miss a few games and practices because his 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed with having an unidentified mass on her brain.

Ruff first informed The Buffalo News of the diagnosis in a story published Sunday. He said he is awaiting further tests on his daughter Madeleine after the mass, about the size of a quarter, was discovered Friday during tests at Buffalo Women and Children’s Hospital.

Sabres spokesman Michael Gilbert confirmed the news Sunday.

Ruff did not attend Sabres practice on Friday, but coached the team in its 6-5 win at Philadelphia on Saturday. The Sabres beat Boston on Sunday for their sixth straight victory.

Madeleine, who has a twin brother, Brian, two weeks ago complained of headaches, which became more severe last week, Ruff said. The coach and his wife, Gaye, have four children, the twins being their youngest.

“She’s very positive about the whole thing,” Ruff told the newspaper. “It’s incredible. Every child you have is different. They deal with things differently. She’s a special child.”

Assistant coaches Brian McCutcheon and Scott Arniel conducted the team’s practice Friday and would fill in if Ruff missed any games.