Both teams missed the playoffs last season. The difference is the Senators have a decent chance of making them this season while the Maple Leafs have too much youth, which must be served.

The Senators have lots of offense with Bobby Ryan, Mike Hoffman, Zack Smith and Mark Stone not to mention Erik Karlsson, the top offensive-minded defenseman in the NHL. The Maple Leafs can't match that kind of scoring - at least not yet.

Toronto has lost during each of its past four visits to Ottawa. The Maple Leafs have been the worst road team in hockey losing 50 of their past 66 away matchups.

The Senators have been pointing to this rivalry matchup under new coach Guy Boucher, who has conducted a grueling training camp. Look for the Senators to show improvement defensively and on special teams under Boucher to go with a top-10 goal-scoring outfit.