Published Dec 17, 4:00am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 17, 4:00am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 17, 4:00am ET
A fascinating clash from the Eastern Conference is set for the Capital One Arena on Dec 18, as the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Washington Capitals. Find our picks here.
It has been a worrying period for the Caps, as they have dropped to fourth in the Metropolitan Division after losing each of their last three games.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs look to have gotten their playoff push back on track after recording six wins in their last ten.
The Washington Capitals will see Thursday as a perfect opportunity to get their form back on track.
Washington have lost each of their last three, but they have still amassed a relatively impressive record of 6-2-2 over their last ten. In fact, only the Carolina Hurricanes have recorded more victories in the Metropolitan Division over the same period.
However, the Caps must pick themselves up following a damaging 5-0 road loss against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
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There were fears that the Maple Leafs wouldn’t have the ability to mount a playoff challenge a month ago.
However, it looks as though the team are back on track. Toronto have won six of their last ten, and they have lost just twice in regulation over that period. The Maple Leafs have a positive 15-12-5 record, and a win on Thursday could see them move within striking distance of the top four in the Atlantic Division.
Toronto’s most recent success was achieved on Tuesday, scoring three times in the final period to claim a dramatic 3-2 success against the Chicago Blackhawks.
| TOTAL | Maple Leafs | Capitals | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 168 | 74 | 84 | - |
| GOALS | 1129 | 561 | 568 |
Washington’s overall form over their last ten isn’t actually that bad, and they could quickly bounce back from their defeat against the Wild.
The Caps have impressed in home games this season, and they have won 59% of their previous clashes with the Maple Leafs at Capital One Arena. Meanwhile, Toronto have stuttered on the road this season, going 5-7-0.
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Pick
Washington Capitals
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