As preseason is underway, there is optimism all around the National Hockey League. Hope truly springs eternal as, at least for the next month or so, every team is a contender.

However, some teams have more reason than others to anxiously anticipate the start of the regular season. One of those teams that has a legitimate reason to believe is the Buffalo Sabres. 

They are coming into the 2011-12 season with plenty of momentum after making the playoffs for two straight years and they had a very productive and successful offseason.

The Sabres have positioned themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders and here are 10 reasons why.

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