Obviously neither teams are guaranteed to make the playoffs right now, but both seem very likely. Still, which team would you rather matchup with in the playoffs?
Toronto has so much pressure in the playoffs, that they can't handle it and crumble.
Ottawa's pressure is simply to make the playoffs. From there, it's house money - which I think makes them more dangerous.
I'll take the perceived failure over the proven failure.
The Leafs routinely get dominated in the playoffs by nearly every opponent. Columbus embarrassed them. Montreal pimped-slapped them. Washington, Boston, Tampa, Florida...Leaf failure after Leaf failure.
Ottawa is an unknown. Perhaps they have greatness within them. The Leafs lack greatness. There’s a reason the Leafs haven't made a 'Cup Finals in 5.5 plus decades...and that reason is the the Leafs are soft, weak, fragile and heartless. 0% contender, 100% pretender.
Can I ask you what evidence makes Toronto even remotely a top contender?Ottawa easily. Toronto is a top contender.
Toronto goalies suck. Ottawa has Ullmark.