Toronto Maple Leafs - Washington Capitals predictions and free betting tips [28/03/2024]

National Hockey League. Regular championship 2023/2024. One of the most interesting matches of the upcoming game day and a battle within the Eastern Conference. A team currently ranked in the top-3 in their division will take on the second seed from the Wild Card round. Toronto "Maple Leafs" will host Washington "Capitals" at home.

Toronto «Maple Leafs»

The Canadian team continues to vie for the highest results this season. First off, they need to secure a top-3 divisional spot, ideally the top spot, but it's rather unlikely for them to rise to the second rank, and to lose their top-3 spot is a distinct possibility as they only have a two-point lead over the first Wild Card round spot. However, as they have an extra game in hand, their situation is not as bad as it may seem – it's all in Toronto's hands.

"Maple Leafs", after 71 matches, have 89 points. These points were earned due to 40 wins and 9 losses beyond regular time. Toronto lost 22 more matches without earning any points. Moreover, the "Maple Leafs" are fifth in the conference in the goal difference — 35. They have five wins and four regular-time losses, as well as a one-point loss in their last ten matches. At this point, they have a losing streak of two matches. 

Washington «Capitals»

The capital club has formed an incredible streak. They are now the main contender to go to the playoffs from the last Wild Card round spot. To boot, they are even in the top-3 of their division in terms of lost points. This happened in spite of Washington letting Kuznetsov go at the deadline, Backstrom remaining on the injury list, and Alexander Ovechkin having his worst season in many years. However, in March everything changed: now the "Capitals" play really great hockey, earning many points and having made it to the second Wild Card round spot.

They currently have 81 points after 71 matches. The "Capitals" earned these points because of 36 wins and nine losses with an additional point. They lost the other 26 matches without earning any extra points. Intriguingly, the club from the American capital still has the third-worst goal difference, which is quite extraordinary considering their current standing. The "Capitals" won seven and lost three out of their last ten matches. They are now on a three-match winning streak. 

Head-to-Head Matchups

In the current season, Toronto "Maple Leafs" and Washington "Capitals" have played two matches against each other. Both games ended in favour of the Canadians with 7:3 and 4:1 as final scores. 

Prediction

Given recent matches, I am very much inclined to place a bet on Washington, especially with such attractive odds. 

Total Points Prediction

If you choose not to consider a straight win, then I like the ITO2 (2.5). Both teams are scoring quite well at the moment, but Washington has been particularly good lately, so I'll place my bet on their goals.