Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (15-12-5) visit the Washington Capitals (18-11-4) in a key Eastern Conference matchup and the second meeting of the season. Washington won the first encounter 4-2 at home on November 28, overcoming an early deficit. Toronto looks to split the series behind strong road form, while the Capitals aim to rebound from recent road struggles with home ice advantage.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon)
Toronto Maple Leafs:
Anthony Stolarz (G, upper body): Out – Long-term; seeking second opinion.
Joseph Woll (G): Returned recently; strong form (2.39 GAA, .927 SV%).
Chris Tanev (D, upper body): Questionable – Cleared for practice but monitoring.
Dakota Mermis (D, lower body): IR.
Other depth players managing minor issues; core forwards like Auston Matthews available.
Washington Capitals:
Minor illnesses/injuries in lineup; potential to dress seven defensemen.
Hendrix Lapierre (F) and Matt Roy (D): Did not skate; questionable.
Logan Thompson (G): Expected starter (2.09 GAA).
Core including Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, and Aliaksei Protas healthy.
Toronto’s goaltending stabilized with Woll; Washington’s depth tested but stars intact.
Key Player Matchups
Auston Matthews vs. Capitals Defense: Matthews’ scoring touch vs. Washington’s physical blue line; quick strikes key.
John Tavares/Max Domi vs. Dylan Strome: Veteran centers battle for possession; faceoffs and cycle play pivotal.
Alex Ovechkin vs. Leafs Defense: Ovechkin’s power-play threat vs. Toronto’s improving PK.
Goaltending Duel: Joseph Woll/Dennis Hildeby vs. Logan Thompson – Woll’s recent saves vs. Thompson’s elite GAA.
Special Teams: Toronto’s strong PK vs. Washington’s struggling PP (27th in league).
Game could hinge on third-period execution and power-play efficiency.
Team Records and Standings Context
Toronto Maple Leafs: 15-12-5 (Mid-pack Atlantic Division). Balanced but inconsistent scoring.
Washington Capitals: 18-11-4 (Top Metropolitan Division/Wildcard contention). Strong early season but recent road dips.
Recent Team Form
Maple Leafs: Won last three road games convincingly (16-4 combined); recent comeback win over Chicago. Road warriors lately but home struggles.
Capitals: Outscored 10-1 in recent two-game road trip; seeking home rebound after strong November.
Toronto hot away; Washington desperate to protect home ice.
Series History
2025-26 Season: Capitals lead 1-0 (4-2 win Nov. 28).
Recent: Toronto strong in D.C. (5-2 last seven visits); overall competitive.
Head-to-Head Trends: Third-period goals common; unders in several recent meetings.
Betting Trends
Capitals strong as home favorites; Leafs profitable road underdogs.
Unders in Toronto’s recent games; mixed for Washington but low-scoring road losses.
Game Odds
Toronto Maple Leafs 5.5
Washington Nationals – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
