‘Such a scenario would require the Sabres to avoid any prominent injuries, receive top-notch goaltending from their young tandem and develop a No. 1 defense pair that can shut down top lines in various situations. I don’t see it happening. This team is still too young and inexperienced. Does it have the potential to get there in future seasons if Ruff remains and the foundation of the roster sticks? Absolutely. The top players on defense are still a bit too green for me to envision this happening soon, though.’