That would be an awesome article, if it wasn't by ESPN...

Playoff contender absolutely, Stanleycup no way

By definition, anyone in the playoffs is a contender for the Cup.

Exactly, Albatross, how many times has a #1 seed laid an egg vs. the #8 seed?

Miller alone can't take us to the cup

The 98-99 Sabres would like a word with you.

The Buffalo Sabres are ranked top five in ESPN power rankings mid season. Who says this team is not a contender, to be mentioned in the same breath as San Jose, New Jersey, Chicago and Washington is pretty impressive to me. http://espn.go.com/nhl/powerrankings

1-1 vs. NJ
1-0 vs. Chicago
1-1 vs. Washington if I remember right?

Sounds pretty solid to me.

If the Devils and Capitals are gone by the ECFs and the Sabres aren't, theeeeeen they are home free, and I am saying that with complete seriousness.

I would be incredibly wary of facing either of those teams, and I'm not sure that they would win a seven-game series against them... In fact, I would expect them to lose in six or seven. I fear no team in the West in a series, though.

But if they are able to get through the playoffs without facing one of those teams, then "curse." Again, I am not kidding. Ryan Miller alone could win this team a Cup, as long as they are average and not terrible, and that's exactly what they are: average.

Of course, I will be stranded in Russia during the entirety of the playoffs, with the exception of the finals. If they have some sort of great run and lose in the ECFs, I shall be angry that I missed it. If, however, they're knocked in the second round (I really don't think they'll be subjected to a first-round exit), it will be all right, and I won't be mad. So, uh. Either exit the postseason early, or go all the way, boys. Thanks.