Quoting: AlTintin1122
Detroit is what ottawa had last year 85-86pts. Ottawa and Buffalo are around 94
Buffalo is definitely a step above Ottawa. Here is why it is close for me between OTT/DET:
Both have strong first liner, but Ottawa gets the edge.
Both of their second lines are solid, but Ottawa gets the edge if Norris stays healthy
Both of their third lines are good, but I would prefer Detroit's
Detroit's fourth line is significantly better
Depth: I like Detroit's depth a bit more than Ottawa's
D Paring 1: Ottawa's is better but Detroit's is still really good. I fell Ottawa's is better at helping on offense where as Detroit's is better in their own end
D pairing 2: Depends on whether or not Sanderson takes the next step and if Petry has a bounce back season. If Sanderson takes the next step and Petry doesn't bounce back, OTT gets the edge. If Petry bounced back and Sanderson doesn't take the next step Detroit gets the edge. If both or neither of them take next step/bounce back it is even
D pairing 3: I would prefer Detroit's. Strong Defensive D-man options that can play as third pairing.(Maata, Chariot, Holl) Ottawa's 3rd pairing isn't as good IMO
Depth: Even. Both teams have ok depth on d
Goaltending:
Starters: I will take Husso over Korpisalo. Husso was pretty good last year but he got overworked. Korpisalo is not historical good too
Backups: Forsberg is better than Riemer, so Ottawa gets the edge
Depth: Detroit has better G depth. Lyon has shown he can be a good backup if needed. Sogard isn't quite there yet
Overall, I think it is pretty close between the two teams