Are the Buffalo Sabres legitimate cup contenders?

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by: Conor Duncan

     It’s no secret that over the course of the recent history, the buffalo sabres organization has been inept at creating a winning program. They have not made a playoff run since 2011 and every year seems to be more of the same, finishing out bottom of the table. However recent play has pushed the weary team to 3rd place in the Atlantic division, among power  house teams such as Tampa, Toronto and Boston. But what is driving the Sabres new found success?
 Last off-season  Buffalo drafted young Rasmus Dahlin, a defenseman from Sweden. So far this young d-man has proven quite capable, averaging 14 points between 2 goals and 12 assists. However he isn’t the only Buffalo defenseman stepping up this year, between zack bogosnians oldfashioned physical style of play and Rasmus Ristolainens scoring capabilities, The Buffalo sabres have made it a real challenge to break through the offensive zone.
    Jeff skinner has also had a career revitalizing season so far with 28 points and a plus/minus rating of 15.
   While it’s no question that the sabres have turned their franchise around, the question still remains. Are The buffalo Sabres still Stanley Cup contenders?
   While they have proven themselves to belong, especially amongst the slaughter house that is the Atlantic division, it’s quite unlikely that the sabres are legitimately in the hunt for the cup. While Dahlinn, Bogosnian and Ristolainen are solid players, they don’t make up an entire defensive roster. Buffalo is still rebuilding, and this season should be looked at by Sabres fans asa sneak peek of what’s to come in the seasons to follow. Furthermore, Buffalo has 2 solid forwards in skinner and Eichel, but that’s not enough to get them out of the eastern conference come playoff season. Toronto has Tavares, Nyoander, Hyman, Matthews and Marner. They have firepower on every line which is necessary in today game. Tampa has Stamkos, Kucherov, Point, Gourde, Johnson and Killorn and currently sit at first place in the league making them the team to beat once again. Of course these are just examples, but in order to beat these juggernauts of the sport, Buffalo first must become one which is going to take another season or two.

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