Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs: Game preview, predictions and odds | December 28, 2024

Today, the Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Washington Capitals in a pivotal matchup that will pit two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference against one another.

With both teams battling for control of their respective divisions, today's game is undoubtedly a must-win for both teams.

Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs: Head-to-head & key stats

Today's game will mark the final game of the season between these two teams. The season series sits at 1-1, with Toronto winning the first game back in mid-November and Washington winning their most recent game on Dec. 6.

• Washington ranks third in goals per game with 3.68.
• Toronto ranks 12th in the same category with 3.14 goals per game.
• Washington ranks fifth in goals allowed per game, allowing just 2.62 goals per game.
• Toronto ranks seventh in goals allowed per game with 2.78 goals per game.
• Toronto ranks seventh in face-off win percentage with 52.2%
• Washington notably ranks 18th in the same category, winning 50.3% of face-offs.

Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs: Preview

Both teams are looking to cement themselves atop their respective divisions. Toronto (22-12-2) is tied with the Florida Panthers for the first-place spot in the Atlantic Division.

In their most recent outing, the team picked up a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings to snap a two-game skid. With a win tonight, Toronto could wind up atop the division.

On the flip side, the Capitals (23-9-2) are sitting in second place in the Metropolitan Division, three points behind the first-place New Jersey Devils. In their most recent outing, the team dropped a 4-1 loss to Boston on the road, which snapped a two-game win streak. With a win tonight, Washington could tie the Devils for first place in the division.

Washington Capitals vs Toronto Maple Leafs: Odds & Prediction

Leading up to today's game, the NHL community seems incredibly split on who gets the win. On DraftKings, odds are nearly even, with -112 odds for Washington and -108 odds for Toronto. On FanDuel, the odds are dead even with -110 odds for both teams.

If these lines remain consistent, a $110 bet on either team will win $100 on FanDuel, while a $112 bet on Washington and a $108 bet on Toronto could win $100 on DraftKings.

Prediction: Washington 4, Toronto 3