The Stanley Cup has been won by division winners far more frequently than not. In fact only 3x in the past 15 years has a non-division winner won it. Also, the only other winner of the cup has been the 4th seeded team - with exception of New Jersey (5) in the shortened 1994-1995 season. Of course it isn't too surprising that good teams do well in the playoffs. I just find it a little interesting that although many low seeded teams made it to the finals none have actually prevailed to win it (Vancouver, Buffalo, Anaheim, Calgary, Edmonton). So it seems to pay off to win your division (or at least come in 4th or better).