Well, for the Buffalo Sabres, its not over yet. After another dominating win against the Washington Capitals last night, that hope is growing into something real. Two months ago, this team was in the middle of a franchise record road losing streak and was sitting in the basement of the Eastern Conference and now they managed to turn a ten point gap into the eighth and final playoff spot. At least thats where they sit today.

Currently the Sabres are on a 5 game win streak after posting dominating wins against Tampa Bay, Montreal, the New York Rangers, Minnesota and Washington. Through this current streak, the Sabres have outscored their opponents 22-6, thanks in large part to the line of Drew Stafford-Tyler Ennis-Marcus Foligno and the stellar play of Ryan Miller.

The Stafford-Ennis-Foligno combination has become the most dominating line for the Sabres, combining for twenty points during the current five game win streak. Stafford has definitely found his game as of late and I personally feel having Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno as line mates has helped immensely. Tyler Ennis moving to center was one of the best moves Lindy made all season and he has returned to the form we came to expect last season. Marcus Foligno injects an energy this team has lack for most of the season. His energy has inspired his line mates to join in and dig in deep to battle for pucks and score goals.

Ryan Miller has shown everyone recently that he still can be the goalie who won a Vezina Trophy only two year ago. After struggling with what many believe was symptoms of the concussion he received after a devastating hit from Milan Lucic, he has found his form. During the five game win streak he has had one shutout and allowed one goal three times. Is this the Ryan Miller we Sabres fans expect every season, why yes, yes it is. And we would all like to welcome him back.

The play of the captain, Jason Pominville, has been a shining example of what a captain is supposed to do for a team. He scores goals when the team needs a boost, he doesn’t take untimely penalties, he outworks opponents, he kills penalties, he’s a key part of the power play and he comes to battle day in and day out. What more could you want in a captain? For those of you still doubting Pommer was the right choice, take a look at some game footage, better yet watch this. This is what a captain does.

Some bad new to come out of last night’s game was an apparent knee injury to defenseman Christian Ehrhoff after a collision with Troy Brouwer. Ehrhoff limped off the ice and did not return to the game, it was also noted that he had a slight limp as he was leaving the Verizon Center. Lindy Ruff said he would be evaluated today in Buffalo and expects him to miss some time. What this likely means (or should mean) is Brayden McNabb will be recalled on an emergency basis, unless it is all of a sudden decided Mike Weber should play again. Expect some more news later today after more is known about the injury.

All in all, a solid win streak and stellar play from all areas has saved this team from a what could have turned into a dreadful season. If it continues, get ready for some Parties in the Plaza, Sabres fans.