If you took a poll of every player and coach at this stage of the NHL season about whether they are looking forward to the All-Star break this weekend, you would almost certainly get a wide variety of responses. Players currently dealing with niggling injuries would likely look forward to it, as would players and coaches on teams going through a rough patch right now. On the other hand, the players and coaches on teams that are going strong would probably just as soon skip the break so that they can keep the good times rolling.
The Washington Capitals are mired in a miserable run of form at the moment, so they are probably looking forward to getting a break and recharging the batteries over the next few days. Their opponents on Wednesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are also probably in that group, as they are also not playing particularly well right now. It is the Leafs who are in as the favorites in the NHL betting odds, with the goal total for this one set at 6 ½.
Capitals vs Maple Leafs NHL Betting Spread & Prediction
CAPS TODAY: After last night’s hat trick, Alex Ovechkin recorded his 136th career multi-goal game (including playoffs), tied with Teemu Selanne for the most multi-goal games since 1992-93, despite Ovechkin’s rookie season starting in 2005-06. More info on https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 pic.twitter.com/5q0cwn83sy
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) 23 de enero de 2019
- When: Wednesday, January 23 at 7:30 PM EST
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
- TV: NBCSN
- Radio: TuneIn
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (Total 6.5)
Predators vs Golden Knights NHL Week 17 Odds & Game Info
Why bet on the Washington Capitals?
The defending Stanley Cup champions are in a real swoon at the moment, coming into the final game of the first half on a 6-game losing skid. Through the first 4 games of that run, it was the offense that needed to shoulder most of the blame, managing just 4 goals in those outings. That they have scored 11 goals in the last 2 games and still have not found a way to win tells you that the onus is now on a defensive unit that has surrendered 15 goals in the last 2 games.
It is a run that has seen the Capitals surrender top spot in the Metropolitan Division, while also allowing the chasing pack to edge ever closer. If this run continues, the Caps could find themselves dragged into a battle just to make the playoffs. Washington is a solid 14-8-2 on the road this season, so every chance they can break out here.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.43
- Shots: 29.69
- PP/PK Percentage: 21.23
Defense
- Goals: 3.18
- Shots: 32.18
- PP/PK Percentage: 22.29
Why bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs losing skid may not look as dire as what the Capitals are going through, but the overall picture is less than pretty. The Leafs are coming into this one having lost each of their last 2 games, but they are also on a run that has seen them win just 3 of their last 10.
They are still in the second spot in the Atlantic Division, but they are also now 16 points off the pace being set by the Tampa Bay Lightning, while also seeing the chasing pack come closer, just like is happening with their Wednesday night opponents. Toronto has been much better on the road than they have been at home, going just 13-11-1 in their own building versus a 16-6-1 road record. They beat Washington 4-2 on the road earlier this season.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.50
- Shots: 31.23
- PP/PK Percentage: 21.49
Defense
- Goals: 2.85
- Shots: 32.35
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.25
Capitals vs Maple Leafs NHL Betting Trends
- Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
- Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington’s last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
- Toronto is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
- Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto’s last 8 games
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Capitals vs Maple Leafs
This is a series that has routinely gone the way of the road team, with 4 of the last 5 ending in a win for the visitor. I think we might just get more of the same here, as I like the Capitals to break out of their slump with a win in this one.
Score: Washington Capitals 4 – Toronto Maple Leafs 2
