Ottawa’s 2nd line last year was like a -30 without Norris. Even if they take Giroux off the 1st line and put Tarasenko, Tkachuk and Stutzle should take an extra step to the point where Tarasenko isn’t a downgrade on Giroux.

And putting Giroux and Norris on line 2 , will def make that a very good defensive line which is a huge improvement and they won’t be a -30 line.

The 3rd line had a lot of Gambrell and Watson last year . The 3rd line this year will be much improved.

The middle 6 will make the difference this year. Not the defence , not the goaltending , not the 4th line

Than they acc are is a big stretch. They’re in the hunt for a WC spot. Every analyst on tv and hockey can admit that

‘Admit it?’ They’ve been saying it for 2 years going on 3… And it has yet to happen. Ottawa’s got issues and Dorion doesn’t know how to fix it and Smith doesn’t know how to coach this core. If 1 guy gets hurt, the top 6 and bottom 6 are toast. That’s not a winning formula

If you think that your top three lines will carry you to a playoff spot, you are completely wrong. Teams need good defensive structure to make the postseason, especially in a good conference. Same with goaltending. 4th lines are also a big part. You need a good 4th line. Pittsburgh learned that last season. Their forth line cost them multiple games. Overall, the gap is pretty close between the two

Apparently we aren't the delusional ones.

According to this leafs site, Chabot is better than any player on the leafs:
https://editorinleaf.com/2023/09/09/toronto-maple-leafs-senators-chabot/

So, even according to Leafs fans, Ottawa has the better players.

If Chabot was average defensively he’d be a top 10 D

1 site that’s just there to hate on the Leafs is your proof? LOL

Sens fans are worse than Hans fans and that’s saying something

Oh brother