Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Pick & Prediction 12/28/24

The Capitals and Maple Leafs are set to face off at 7:00 ET on NHLN. The Maple Leafs will host the game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. The odds for this Eastern conference game currently have the Maple Leafs as the -1.5 goal favorite with the over/under line sitting at 6 goals.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5

This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena at 7:00 ET on Saturday, December 28th.

WHY BET THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS:

• Based on our analysis, we foresee the Maple Leafs winning the game with a predicted score of 4-2.
• Take the Maple Leafs on the moneyline
• The Maple Leafs should also cover at -1.5

Is an Upset Waiting to Happen on the Road?

Washington dropped to 23-9-2 after a 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes. The Capitals held a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period, but Carolina scored three unanswered goals to secure the win.

The total for the game was set at 6 goals, and the combined score matched that number. Washington, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. Both of the Capitals’ goals came in the first period.

Washington’s offense was held to just two goals in their 4-2 loss to Carolina. Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime added his 2nd goal. The Capitals took 21 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.

Both of Washington’s goals came in the first period, with Duhaime scoring at 19:49. Nic Dowd picked up his 2nd assist of the season, and Dylan Strome added his 13th assist on Ovechkin’s goal.

Defensively, the Capitals will look to improve after giving up three goals to the Hurricanes, including two in the second period and one in the third. Charlie Lindgren made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, but Washington’s defense recorded just 2 takeaways and 20 hits.

Is a Home Win Possible for the Maple Leafs?

Toronto fell to 22-12-2 after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Wild. The Maple Leafs were underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 3 goals fell short of the pre-game line of 6 goals.

After the Wild scored first, William Nylander tied it up with 52 seconds left in the first period. Neither team scored again until Minnesota found the net 2:14 into overtime.

William Nylander netted his 9th goal of the season on a power play at 19:08 in the first period, as the Maple Leafs fell 2-1 in overtime to the Wild. Auston Matthews picked up his 6th assist, while Mitchell Marner added his 12th.

Toronto fired 28 shots on goal but was held scoreless after the first period. The Maple Leafs recorded 10 giveaways in the game.

Defensively, the Maple Leafs gave up the first goal at 9:41 in the first period and the game-winner at 2:14 in overtime. Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves with a 93.9% save percentage. Toronto’s defense also recorded 2 takeaways and 30 hits.