The Toronto Maple Leafs (21-12-2) are set to host the Washington Capitals (23-9-2) in a compelling Eastern Conference matchup at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night, featuring two of the NHL's top-performing teams this season.
The Capitals enter the contest boasting the league's third-ranked offense, averaging 3.68 goals per game, while their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 2.62 goals per game and ranking fifth overall.
The potential return of Alex Ovechkin could provide a significant boost for Washington, who are looking to bounce back from their recent loss to the Boston Bruins.
The Maple Leafs, coming off an impressive five-goal performance against Detroit, have shown their offensive prowess with Mitchell Marner's recent hat-trick, though they may face challenges with fatigue after playing on consecutive nights.
Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities this season, with Toronto allowing 2.78 goals per game and ranking seventh in the league defensively.
As these Eastern Conference powerhouses prepare to face off, the matchup presents an intriguing contrast between Washington's well-rested squad and Toronto's momentum from their recent victory, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling hockey contest.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals: who will win?
For tonight's Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals matchup, our predictive model gives the Capitals a 61.67% chance of defeating the Leafs.
Washington Capitals: 61.67% win probability
- Superior defensive efficiency (89 goals against in 34 games)
- Better overall record (23-9 vs Leafs' 22-12)
- Higher scoring efficiency (125 goals for in 34 games vs Leafs' 113 in 36)
Toronto Maple Leafs: 38.33% win probability
- Weaker defensive record (100 goals against in 36 games)
- Lower points percentage (46 points in 36 games vs Caps' 48 in 34)
- Less consistent scoring (3.14 goals per game vs Caps' 3.68)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals odds
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Washington Capitals | |
|---|---|---|
| moneyline | +1.87 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) | +1.95 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) |
Key stats
- 1The Toronto Maple Leafs have won 22 out of 36 matches this season.
- 2The Washington Capitals have won 23 out of 34 matches this season.
- 3With 46 points, the Toronto Maple Leafs holds the 3rd position in the league standings.
- 4Washington Capitals's 48 points place them 2nd in the rankings.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals form
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals head to head
Toronto Maple Leafs
83%
Washington Capitals
17%
Dec 7, 2024
Toronto Maple Leafs
1 : 3
Washington Capitals
Nov 14, 2024
Washington Capitals
3 : 4
Toronto Maple Leafs
Mar 28, 2024
Toronto Maple Leafs
5 : 1
Washington Capitals
Mar 20, 2024
Washington Capitals
3 : 7
Toronto Maple Leafs
Oct 24, 2023
Washington Capitals
1 : 4
Toronto Maple Leafs
Jan 29, 2023
Toronto Maple Leafs
5 : 1
Washington Capitals
