The Washington Capitals have lost four of their last seven games, while the Toronto Maple Leafs lost recently after riding a four game win streak. The Washington Capitals (40-20-2-3) host the Toronto Maple Leafs (25-26-6-7) for some hard hitting NHL action. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Capitals as -290 moneyline favs over the Leafs with the over/under listed at 6 ½ goals. Get your Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Leafs recently lost to the Devils 2-3 OT at home despite two goals from John Mitchell. Seven of the Leafs last games have gone to a shootout or overtime. The Maple Leafs have bought the contract of forward Jeff Hamilton from the AHL's Chicago Wolves and he will play tonight. Hamilton's most recent NHL time came when he played 58 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring nine goals. Hamilton played 70 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2006-07 and scored 18 goals and 39 points. New Leaf goalie Martin Gerber is 5-3-1 with a 3.61 GAA and a .864 SVPCT lifetime against the Capitals. Jason Blake has 10 goals and 17 points in 30 career games against the Capitals. He has 12 goals and 27 points in his last 21 games. The Leafs are 14-15-2-2 on the road where they average 3.15 GAG and give up an average 3.76 GAG. They are 3-2 SU in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 4.00 GAG and given up an average 4.00 GAG.
The Capitals recently lost to the Hurricanes 2-5. Alexander Semin and Sergei Fedorov were the lone scorers for the Caps. Their power play is great averaging a goal, or more, a game in their last six games, but their penalty kill has allowed a goal, or more, a game in their last six games. Alex Ovechkin gave Caps fans a scare when he took a hard shot off the foot and limped off the ice early in practice, he’s OK and will play tonight. For those keeping score at home, Ovechkin has 13 goals and 18 points in 14 career games against the Leafs. For the Capitals, this is the third in a four-game homestand. They lost the first two, outscored 11-4 by Florida and Carolina. Nicklas Backstrom has five goals and 20 points in his last 16 games, while Alexander Semin has six goals and 16 points in his last 11 games. The Caps are 25-8-0-1 at home where they average 3.35 GAG and give up an average 2.53 GAG. They are 2-3 SU in their last five home games where they’ve averaged 3.00 GAG and given up an average 4.00 GAG.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
- Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Washington.
- Maple Leafs are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Washington.
- Maple Leafs are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Prediction
When: Thurs, Mar 5, 2009 7:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Capitals -290
Point-Spreads.com Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Prediction
The Bottom Line: Never underestimate Ovechkin and his offense, especially against the losing Leafs. Go Caps! Get your Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
