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Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 28, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 28, 2024 7:56 PM
The Toronto Maple Leafs, fresh from Mitch Marner's hat trick, are set to face off against the Washington Capitals at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Metropolitan Division leaders bring a 23-9-2 record to Toronto, where the 22-12-2 Maple Leafs will look to capitalize on their 14-6-0 home advantage. The series is currently tied 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting matchup in the NHL.
Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Current Odds

WSH
TOR
Over
7.5
+145
Under
7.5
-137
WSH
-1.5
+115
TOR
+1.5
-140
WSH
ML
-318
TOR
ML
+300

Capitals vs Maple Leafs statistics

Stat Capitals Maple Leafs
Goals For per Game 3.68 3.14
Goals Against Average 2.62 2.78
Shots per Game 28.0 28.5
Shots Against per Game 27.1 29.0
Power Play Goals 22 22
Power Play Goals Against 18 20
Short Handed Goals 3 2
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 302 290
Power Play Percentage 21.6 20.8
Penalty Kill Percentage 83.0 82.9

Toronto Maple Leafs recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/23/24 vs Winnipeg Jets L 5-2
12/21/24 vs New York Islanders L 6-3
12/20/24 @ Buffalo Sabres W 6-3
12/18/24 @ Dallas Stars W 5-3
12/15/24 vs Buffalo Sabres W 5-3

Washington Capitals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/23/24 @ Boston Bruins L 4-1
12/22/24 vs Los Angeles Kings W 3-1
12/20/24 vs Carolina Hurricanes W 3-1
12/17/24 @ Chicago Blackhawks L 3-2
12/16/24 @ Dallas Stars L 3-1

Toronto Maple Leafs injuries

  • Chris Tanev (D): Day-To-Day
  • Auston Matthews (C): Out
  • David Kampf (C): Injured Reserve
  • Anthony Stolarz (G): Injured Reserve
  • Bobby McMann (C): Injured Reserve

Washington Capitals injuries

  • Alex Ovechkin (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Lars Eller (C): Injured Reserve
  • Andrew Mangiapane (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Tom Wilson (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Brandon Duhaime (RW): Out

Capitals vs Maple Leafs game info

Type Info
Venue Scotiabank Arena
Location Toronto, ON
Puck drop Sat 7:00 PM
TV NHL Net

Capitals vs Maple Leafs predictions

As the Washington Capitals gear up to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs, all eyes will be on Connor McMichael—this young center is turning heads with his goal-scoring prowess, netting 16 goals so far this season. With his knack for finding the back of the net, McMichael could be the decisive factor if he channels this energy into the upcoming showdown. But goals don't just appear out of thin air. Here’s where Dylan Strome enters the picture. With 27 assists and a leading 38 points, Strome has been the playmaker that gets the gears turning. Who wouldn’t appreciate a setup man like him feeding those perfect passes? Expect him to pull a rabbit out of his hat to maintain the Capitals' offensive might.

Meanwhile, on the home ice at Scotiabank Arena, the Toronto Maple Leafs have their own set of aces ready to roll. Mitch Marner, fresh off a hat trick, is riding high with 36 assists and an impressive 49 points. Backing this force of nature is none other than William Nylander, though he’s currently day-to-day. Imagine if both these offensive powerhouses were at full strength—unstoppable, right? Even if Nylander is sidelined, or playing at half pace, Marner’s creativity can still drive the Leafs' attack forward. With talent like this up their sleeve, Toronto is poised to leverage their home advantage and draw from the buzzing energy of their fans.

Now, predicting the outcome of a game filled with stars is no easy feat. With the series knotted up at 1-1, this could be anyone's game. The Capitals' impressive road record and offensive depth give them a slight edge, but don't underestimate the Maple Leafs' solid home performance. Considering the recent form and stats, this match is bound to be a nail-biter. My gut says the Leafs might just eke out a win, riding the momentum from Marner's recent spectacular performance. What do you think? Are we about to witness another magical night on the ice at Scotiabank Arena?

Toronto Maple Leafs

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Toronto Maple Leafs
players

Washington Capitals

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Washington Capitals
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