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Maple Leafs vs Capitals Betting Preview
Toronto enters Friday encouraged by health and goaltending. Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy returned in Wednesday’s 2-1 overtime win in Columbus. William Nylander delivered the winner, his 15th career overtime goal and a new franchise record. Joseph Woll made 35 saves and kept Toronto competitive throughout.
The Maple Leafs won two of their last nine, but Wednesday’s result gave them a lift. Woll continues stabilizing the crease with Anthony Stolarz sidelined. His tracking and communication with the blue line remain strengths. Nylander assisted on Easton Cowan’s tying goal late in the third period. Toronto’s transition game improved with more speed in the lineup.
Washington has gained traction after a difficult stretch. The Capitals won five of their last six and sit 3-1 so far on their homestand. Their latest win, a 4-3 result against Winnipeg, featured milestone moments for Alex Ovechkin. He was honored pregame for reaching 900 goals and 1,500 games, then scored his 11th of the season. Jakob Chychrun extended his scoring streak with another goal.
Washington’s structure continues improving. Their passing layers flow more consistently. Their puck pressure and defensive reads sharpened since their early 2-6-2 stretch. Charlie Lindgren held strong with 18 saves and continues playing with confidence.
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Line Movement and Odds
Capitals -150, Maple Leafs +127
Total: 6.0
The early lean favored Washington based on form, home ice and steadier special teams.
Track all updates on the NHL odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
Toronto overview
Toronto’s 2-1 win in Columbus highlighted improved rhythm. Nylander recorded a goal and an assist. Cowan tied the game late. Woll remained locked in under pressure. Their ability to control shifts grew through the third period.
Toronto ranks inside the top tier in hits and assists. Their scoring remains strong with 76 goals. Nylander leads with 31 points. John Tavares follows with 28. Their offensive depth remains steady even when Matthews works his way back to full pace.
Toronto needs cleaner breakouts, stronger wall battles and continued pressure from their top six to handle Washington’s zone structure.
Washington overview
Washington pushed its record to 13-9-2 with improved details in all three zones. Ovechkin’s goal pushed momentum after his pregame tribute. Carlson added a goal. Chychrun extended his streak to four straight games with a goal. Their blue line continues producing at an elite level.
Their structure tightens late in games. Their pressure grows through long shifts. Their forecheck forces turnovers. Lindgren supports the defensive core with strong positioning and controlled movement.
Washington finishes its homestand Friday. Their physicality, puck support and late-game execution driven by their leadership core shape this matchup.
Injuries
Maple Leafs
- Brandon Carlo — Out, lower body
- Marshall Rifai — Out, wrist
- Anthony Stolarz — Out, upper body
- Christopher Tanev — Out, upper body
Full roster details available on the Toronto Maple Leafs page.
Capitals
- Nic Dowd — Out, upper body
- Pierre-Luc Dubois — Out, lower body
Team overview available on the Washington Capitals page.
Betting Trends
- Maple Leafs 0-5 SU in last five
- Maple Leafs 14-2 O/U this season
- Maple Leafs 9-1 O/U in last 10
- Capitals 4-1 SU in last five
- Capitals 3-2 ATS in last five
- Capitals 4-1 O/U in last five
Best Bets and Prediction
Washington’s scoring form, home structure and stronger defensive layers position them well. Toronto’s lineup regained key pieces, but their inconsistency on the road and recent scoring droughts remain concerns. Washington’s forecheck and offensive depth provide the edge.
Projected score: Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 3
Best Bet: Capitals -150
Total Lean: Over 6.0
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