Leafs vs. Capitals Game 2 Pick
Will the Washington Capitals avoid a letdown performance in Game 2 of their series when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Washington is the clear favorite to win today, as the Capitals are getting odds of -250 to win, while the Toronto Maple Leafs are getting odds of +210 to prevail. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 5.5 goals.
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The Capitals got a scare in Game 1, going to OT before picking up a 3-2 win. The Capitals have won eight of their last nine meetings with the Maple Leafs. Washington is now 56-19-8 overall and 33-7-2 at home while the Maple Leafs are now 40-27-16 overall and 19-14-9 on the road.
The Capitals fell behind 2-0 in Game 1 as Mitch Marner and Jake Gardiner each scored in the first period. Washington answered with a Justin Williams goal in the first and then Williams tied the game in the second with his second goal. In overtime, Tom Wilson got the game-winner just five minutes into the extra frame. Frederik Andersen faced 44 shots from the Capitals and made 41 saves while Braden Holtby stopped 35 of the 37 shots he faced.
Bet on Maple Leafs vs. Capitals
Toronto was up to the challenge in Game 1, but faded a bit late. The Maple Leafs had the edge in faceoffs and weren’t far off in shots on goal. Washington has a great, aggressive attack, but the Capitals don’t have a history of clutch play. The Caps are being given huge odds at home, which is understandable given their home record, but I think the value comes with the Leafs at +210. Strange things can happen to turn a hockey game and Toronto wasn’t overwhelmed by Washington in Game 1 and I don’t suspect they will be in Game 2 either.
NHL PLAYOFFS PREDICTION: TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS +210