Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions
The Toronto Maple Leafs (3-2-0) play the 3rd contest of a 5-game road trip against the Washington Capitals (1-2-1) Tuesday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Maple Leafs vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Maple Leafs were staring a 3rd consecutive loss in the face, trailing 3-1 after 40 minutes in Tampa on Saturday. However, Toronto scored 2 goals in the 3rd, and won it in overtime, picking up a much-needed win.
The Capitals were on the short end of a 3-2 OT loss in Montreal on Saturday, their 3rd loss in 4 games. The Capitals have had a power outage on offense, notching just 6 total goals in 4 games, or 1.5 goals per game (GPG). The Under is 3-1 overall.
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Maple Leafs at Capitals odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:20 a.m. ET.
Maple Leafs at Capitals projected goalies
Joseph Woll (1-1-0, 1.69 GAA, .949 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (1-1-1, 3.56 GAA, .887 SV%)
The 25-year-old Woll is confirmed for the crease Tuesday. He came on in relief of Ilya Samsonov in Tampa Saturday, benefitting from the comeback in the 3rd period and overtime, turning aside all 29 shots he faced after taking over late in the first period.
Kuemper has allowed 9 goals on 57 shots in his past 2 outings, going 0-1-1 in a pair of road outings. In his only home outing, the veteran kicked aside 38 of the 40 shots he faced against the Calgary Flames in a SOW on Oct. 16.
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Maple Leafs at Capitals picks and predictions
Prediction
Maple Leafs 4, Capitals 3
The MAPLE LEAFS (-175) are a little on the pricey side, so go lightly. However, since it is just under my personal limit of -180, it is worth playing. It’s better to toss into a multi-team parlay, however.
The Leafs have won 5 of the past 6 meetings in this series, with the favorite cashing in 23 of the past 33 meetings. And with the Capitals (+145) struggling to score goals, the Leafs are the play.
The CAPITALS +1.5 (-165) aren’t priced out of line if you’d like a little insurance, and just cannot take them straight up.
The Caps have won 17 of the past 24 home games against the Leafs in D.C., but again, Washington is having some uncharacteristic struggles. Perhaps it will come alive in Spencer Carbery’s 1st game against the Leafs, the team he served as an assistant with before landing in Washington as head coach.
The OVER 6.5 (-120) is worth a look, but go lightly.
The Leafs have had no trouble scoring, or allowing goals. However, the Caps have struggled to light the lamp, so be careful.
Still, the Over is 5-1-2 in the past 8 meetings in this series, and 3-0-1 in the previous 4 skates between the teams at Capital One Arena, so that’s a positive.
