The free-wheeling Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews’ nine goals come to Washington in the marquee matchup of Saturday’s NHL schedule. Toronto was the preseason Stanley Cup favorite while the Capitals are still the champs until June (and maybe after). Toronto opened at even money while Washington is a -120 favorite at home tonight. The total opened at 7 goals.
- Toronto is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Washington.
- The OVER has hit in seven of the nine games these teams have played this season.
- Toronto and Washington are a combined 87.5% on the power play.
Maple Leafs vs Capitals Game Center
Goalie’s Worst Nightmare
The two highest scoring teams in the NHL collide in a game that will likely have both goaltenders calling loved ones for emotional support later tonight. Toronto leads the league with 25 goals scored through five games while Washington is right behind them with 18 goals scored in four games.
These teams have been wearing out the red light at both ends of the rink, though, as Toronto also leads the league in goals allowed at 20. Washington is not far behind, surrendering 15 goals against, just under four per game.
Unsurprisingly, Both Teams Are OVER Machines
The Leafs and Capitals have played a combined nine games this season and the OVER has hit in seven of those. That’s a reason why they have the highest Sportsbook total of any game on the slate tonight at 7.
Even at 7, OVER is a much better bet than UNDER in tonight’s game as the average combined score in Toronto’s games this season is 9.0 while the average combined score in Washington’s four games is 8.25.
Amazingly, Maple Leafs players occupy the top four positions on the NHL scoring leaderboard. Auston Matthews and Morgan Reilly both have 12 points while John Tavares and linemate Mitch Marner have 10 points apiece.
My Best Bet for Tonight
I’m going to stick with the hot hand and the Toronto Maple Leafs at even money. In the words of the immortal Ric Flair: To be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man. Washington is currently the man in this scenario and the young Maple Leafs can go a long way to becoming top dog with a win in Washington tonight.
The Maple Leafs power play is clicking at 50% and Washington is in the top 10 in penalty minutes per game and minor penalties. I think Auston Matthews and the Toronto power play will be the difference in this one.
