NHL Game Preview: Washington Capitals (39-30-9) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (32-31-14)

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Toronto Maple Leafs logo

Location: Scotiabank Arena — Toronto, ON

Faceoff: 7:30 PM ET

Broadcast: Sportsnet / ESPN+

Injury Report

No new injuries were reported in the sourced previews. Both teams are expected to start their primary goaltenders:

Washington: Logan Thompson (expected starter)

Toronto: Joseph Woll (expected starter)

Team Records & Standings

Washington Capitals (39‑30‑9)

Points: 87

Points %: .558

Goals For: 246

Goals Against: 234

Power Play: 17.6% (41/233)

Penalty Kill: Strong recent form (87.5% last 10 games)

Toronto Maple Leafs (32‑31‑14)

Points: 78

Points %: .506

Goals For: 241

Goals Against: 271

Power Play: 18.4% (last 10 games)

Penalty Kill: 81.5% (last 10 games)

Recent Team Form

Washington Capitals

Coming off a brutal 8–1 loss to the New York Rangers.

Only 1 goal on 21 shots in that game; 0/3 on the power play.

Last 10 games: 6‑3‑1, averaging 3.5 goals on 24.2 shots.

Allowing 3.7 goals on 31.2 shots per game in that span.

Top recent performers:

Alexander Ovechkin: 10 pts (7 G, 3 A)

Pierre‑Luc Dubois: 10 pts (1 G, 9 A)

Toronto Maple Leafs

Lost last game 7–6 (OT) to the Los Angeles Kings.

Scored 6 goals on just 20 shots — high finishing efficiency.

Last 10 games: 4‑4‑2, averaging 3.1 goals on 22.8 shots.

Allowing 3.9 goals on 35 shots per game.

Top recent performers:

John Tavares: 14 pts (7 G, 7 A)

William Nylander: 10 pts (3 G, 7 A)

Goaltending Matchup

Washington — Logan Thompson

Career: 115‑59‑23, 2.64 GAA, .911 SV%

119 quality starts (.620 QS%)

Has faced 5,703 shots, stopping 5,197

Toronto — Joseph Woll

Recent form: 4.49 GAA, .885 SV% (last 10 games)

Season prior: 15‑14‑7, 3.30 GAA, .901 SV%

Edge: Washington — Thompson has been significantly more stable.

Key Player Matchups

Washington Offense vs. Toronto Defense

Capitals generate 11.2% shooting percentage, strong finishing.

Toronto allows 35 shots per game recently — dangerous vs. Ovechkin & Dubois.

Leafs’ penalty kill (81.5%) will be tested by Washington’s heavy shooters.

Toronto Offense vs. Washington Defense

Leafs scored 6 goals on 20 shots last game — elite finishing but unsustainable.

Washington allows 31.2 shots per game recently.

Tavares and Nylander are in strong form, but Woll’s struggles put pressure on the offense.

Series History

Last meeting: Washington won 4–0 at Capital One Arena.

Capitals have won 4 straight vs. Toronto.

Washington has 5 wins in last 10 head‑to‑head matchups.

Game Odds

Washington Capitals      – 148

Toronto Maple Leafs      6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 7, 2026