The Washington Capitals (41-22-10) travel to meet the Toronto Maple Leafs (47-20-6) at Scotiabank Arena Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Capitals vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Capitals registered a 9-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers last time out, Washington’s fourth consecutive win. The Over is also 3-0-1 during the four-game win streak, and 14-2-1 in the past 17 outings.
The Maple Leafs entered Tuesday’s game at home against the lowly Buffalo Sabres on a 6-0-1 run, but suffered a stunning 5-2 loss as -375 favorites. Ouch. It’s a cautionary tale why you should never bet heavy favorites, as one loss can ruin a string of victories.
Capitals at Maple Leafs odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Capitals +130 (bet $100 to $130) | Maple Leafs -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Capitals +1.5 (-190) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)
Capitals at Maple Leafs projected goalies
Ilya Samsonov (22-9-4, 2.93 GAA, .899 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Jack Campbell (27-9-5, 2.72 GAA, .912 SV%, 4 SO)
Samsonov has picked up wins in five consecutive starts, including a 3-0-0 record, 2.70 GAA and .901 SV% in three outings in the month of April. He has one start against the Leafs this season, and he was pulled after one period after allowing three goals on 10 shots.
Campbell has four straight victories, but he has allowed three or more goals in three of the outings. He is 3-0-0 with a 3.48 GAA and .891 SV% in three starts and four appearances in the month of April.
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Capitals at Maple Leafs odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 3
Money line
The CAPITALS (+130) have been on fire lately, rattling off four consecutive victories. They’re looking to pay back the Maple Leafs (-160) after a 5-3 victory by Toronto in D.C. Feb. 28.
This is the first of two meetings in the next 10 days, as the teams will also meet April 24 in D.C. The Caps are 16-7 in the past 23 meetings, while going 5-1 in the past six trips to Toronto.
Against the spread
The Capitals +1.5 (-190) will cost you nearly two times your potential return, and that’s expensive if you’re searching for a little insurance. Just play Washington straight up for the better value.
PASS.
OVER 6.5 (-125) is worth playing ever so slightly.
The Over is 4-1 in the past five meetings, while going 9-3 in the past 12 battles in Toronto. Better yet, the Caps have cashed the Over at a 7-0-1 clip as an underdog, while hitting the Over in seven in a row on the road.
The Caps are driving this Over train, but this is also a game featuring Alex Ovechkin, Mitchell Marner and Auston Matthews. Look for plenty of goals.
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