Buffalo Sabres: Stanley Cup contenders?
360981
They said the Sabres would be lucky to place 25th in the league.  They ended up 5th behind Ottawa, Carolina, Detroit and Dallas.  They said their goaltending was good but no shutouts, then they get shutouts against Toronto and Carolina.  \n\nI think they are ready for the run in the playoffs since all teams start out even.  Process is simple be the first of the 16 teams to win 16 games. \n\nAs for Jersey it is stated that Brodeur has never beaten the Rangers in the playoffs....\n\nWell Good luck to all = = =  Go Sabres!!!!!!
300194
The Buffalo Sabres shall win the Stanley Cup!:)\n\n\n\nGO SABRES!!!!
43425
Do the Flyers have a chance? This question has been asked about the Flyers for the past several years, and of the question marks that keep appearing time and time again, only a few have been addressed. The key to all of it is their goaltending. They just don't have a 'stud' goalie that can take them into the late rounds.\n\nComing out of the east, Ottawa just looks too strong, and all the pieces seem to be in place. However, just like the Flyers, how many times has it looked like they would run away with it, only to flop early. I wouldn't be suprised to see Carolina or the Rangers go compete for the cup. Those two teams seem to have positioned themselves perfectly after the lockout.\n\nAs for the West, it really could be anybody. If I were to bet, I think another dog could make it, such as Nashville or LA.... but that's just my opionion.....
546242
Close but no.  Pronger has been great, but as a team the Oilers were consistent and Roloson was HOT.  He is actually third this year so far behind:  Joe Sakic and Scott Neidermayer.  Colorado would not be in the 2nd round but for the leadership of Sakic.  This is his team and he shows up every night and leads the charge.  Neidermayer was the best player in the Ducks-Flames series and stabalizes the whole team.  So my top 3 are all out West.  Which means someone from the East will win the Cup.  My pick as of today: New Jersey
403978
Moon, I'll have to get back to you on this one. My younger brother and I are currently searching out a local watering hole (likely a sports bar instead of our usual British pub) that will have the satellite feed of the Sabres-Flyers game, which is NOT being shown on OLN here. :(\n\nIf we're in luck finding a place to watch our glorious Sabres thrash the hated flyers (again), that's where we'll be and I shall give you a full report later. In the meantime, I'll try to answer your follow-up questions accordingly...\n\nYes, I definitely prefer watching important games like this with family and friends (this was of course much easier to do when we all lived back in WNY). We really love our Sabres (hockey) and Bills (football) and REALLY get into the games, whether we're there in person or watching on telly.\n\nEating and drinking invariably consists of pizza and beer but can also be nachos and beer (chicken wings and beer only works when I'm with nonvegetarian friends, as most of my siblings are now vegetarian but I am not). Basically, the menu is unhealthy -- but very yummy -- junk food and BEER! ;)\n\nGame day rituals include wearing the team colours, whether a replica jersey, t-shirt, sweatshirt, cap, whatever (no face painters amongst my group but it would be amusing if anyone ever decided to do that, lol). All rituals are more significant if actual game attendance is involved but, alas, that is not an option as we are approximately 400 miles away from our beloved Sabres.\n\nWe celebrate every goal and every win as if we're at the game (which means very loudly!), with the most significant win being the series-clinching victory (the Sabres are up 2-0 over the flyers and need two more wins to clinch the series and advance to the next round). If the Sabres were actually to win the Stanley Cup, well, everything else in my life would have to be put on hold (including my bloody job) as the celebration would continue for days and days, doubtless including a trip home to Buffalo to join the Cup parade and celebrate with friends and fam back there, as well. Oh, if only... :)\n\nThanks for the well wishes (and the question) and I will update you later on what happened with watching the game (and the result, of course).\n\nGO SABRES!!!\n\nUpdate: Okay, well, as you likely know by now, our Sabres lost to the hated flyers, 4-2 (sweeps aren't too common in a best-of-seven series), so it may be just as well that we were unable to find a place to watch the game. This is very definitely not a hockey town. The good news is that Friday's game will be televised and I feel very confident the Sabres will avenge this temporary setback and crush the goons in front of their evil and hateful fans (philadelphia is by far the worst sports city with the worst sports fans on the face of the earth!). Once again...\n\nGO SABRES!!!
335976
Sure they can. Both teams are at the top of there divions. Ottawa has the stars, Buffalo plays hard. Buffalo wins 6-2.
635381
Assuming we can get by Ottawa -- and I believe we can -- my proud Buffalo Sabres will win Lord Stanley's Cup and all of WNY (and those of us Sabres fans scattered about the rest of the world) will rejoice forevermore! :)\n\nGO SABRES!!!
1076336
I'm a Los Angeles Kings fan (I'll thank you not to laugh), but since both California teams in the playoffs were eliminated by Edmonton, I was rooting for the Sabres to wipe the floor with Edmonton. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be :-( Oh well, at least they're getting better. Prior to '99, the last time they had made it to the finals was back in the late '70's, so we may see a cup for western NY yet.
688724
SABRES...they will hoist the cup...
887362
Sorry Georgie, not this year. My pick is Anahiem. Gigure, Pronger=Stanely Cup. Detroit is my second pick though.
1059656
sure.\n\nbut even more importantly, do you think Edmonton has a chance at winning the Stanley Cup?
322133
I believe Buffalo has a great chance at winning the Stanley Cup--Especially if they get past the Flyers in the first round.
1077269
Buffalo. They aren't losing any key player's and Ryan Miller is goingto be one year more mature, They lost key defenseman during the playoffs, which hurt them.  Think about Carolina's match to the Stanley Cup, Koivu gets hurt, 4 main defensmen unjured in Buffalo, then Roloson gets knocked out-that's the way it goes, but I don't think Carolina would be where they are without 'dumb luck'
991539
Rob, thats harsh. Why the dislike towards the Sabres? They're great.\n\nI don't know if I could name absolutely everyone, but I can try and come close:\n\nBriere\nGrier\nAfinogenov\nHecht\nKotalik\nConnolly\nCampbell\nDrury\nNuminen\nTallinder\nVanek\nMcKee\nJanik\nJillson\nDumont\nFitzpatrick\nGaustad\nKalinin\nPominville\nLydman\nMair\nRoy\nPeters\nNovotny\nPyatt\nMiller\nBiron\n\nI probably missed a couple, but I'd say that list is pretty thorough.
572918
Moon, I have never been more ready for any game in my life, and I've been following -- and loving -- hockey since I was six years old! My proud Buffalo Sabres have played superbly all season long and have been THE surprise team of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Carolina Hurricanes have whined and complained and arrogantly proclaimed themselves the superior team from game one, yet here we are facing the ultimate seventh game of this series to decide it all. \n\nWhat do I expect? I expect my glorious Sabres to shock the hockey world yet again and defeat the 'Canes in their own building (where there will be thousands of Buffalo supporters cheering in full throat). It would be poetic justice and no team nor its fans could be more deserving than the Buffalo Sabres. I am so primed for this game and can hardly wait for the puck to drop tonight!\n\nAlthough I grew up in the Buffalo area and spent most of my life there, I now reside in the Washington, DC area. You will find many transplanted WNYers scattered about the country, including a large contingent here and in North Carolina. We are loud and proud in support of our beloved Sabres, no matter what happens. But again, we are going to WIN! :)\n\nThank you for the "welcome back" question, Moon! ;)\n\nLET'S GO BUF-FA-LO!!! LET'S GO BUF-FA-LO!!! LET'S GO BUF-FA-LO!!! LET'S GO BUF-FA-LO!!!
939033
I absolutely love the Penguins.  How can you not with the talent on the team...CROSBY, MALKIN, FLEURY and I think Reechi doin' pretty good, thus far.  I just wish Army would score a goal and Eaton would be back from his injury.
687106
Definetly. Im an avid Sabres fan and i've been watching this team all year. The new NHL favors speedy and skillful teams much like the Sabres. The teams that seem to give the Sabres the most trouble are teams with distinguished goaltending and defense. Although Ottawa plays very solid defense, with Hasek still out for atleast another round I dont think Ray Emery can do enough to stop this Sabres offense. Lines 1-4 for the Sabres are filled with energy and skill. I dont think that any remaining team can compare to the depth they have, which is way I look for this team to make a long run in this years playoffs.