Every other year I've been on this beat, that would have been a laugher of a headline.



Even in 2013. Even last year. I don't believe in the idea that every team that gets into the playoffs in the NHL has a legitimate chance at a Stanley Cup. Sure there's luck and chance involved, and sometimes the better team doesn't win the series, but every team that wins a championship is a very good team.



You don't luck your way through four series.



This year's Leafs team doesn't have to.



That's not to say they are the favourites. They're not. They're not even in the absolute upper tier of Cup contenders — a group I'd argue consists of Nashville, Winnipeg, Boston, Tampa and Pittsburgh.



But Toronto is in that next tier, one small step back. And they have the most potent offence and the best special teams of anyone in that second group, which includes Vegas, Washington, L.A., Columbus, etc.



The Leafs won a lot of shootouts this year, which...