| MATCHUP | Toronto Maple Leafs | Washington Capitals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 15-12-5 | 18-11-4 |
| Spread | +1.5 -205 | -1.5 170 |
| Moneyline | +130 | -155 |
| Total | Over 5.5 (-130) | Under 5.5 (110) |
| Where | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | |
| When | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals meet Thursday in NHL action at the Capital One Arena. Here’s a Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals Prediction. This article will include a Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals Pick.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Oilers, beat the Blackhawks, and they play the Predators next. The Maple Leafs have split their last 6 games.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are averaging 3.28 goals per game and are scoring 15 percent of their power-play opportunities. Auston Matthews leads Toronto with 14 goals, William Nylander has 25 assists, and John Tavares has 88 shots on goal. Defensively, the Toronto Maple Leafs are allowing 3.22 goals per game and are killing 82.8 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Anthony Stolarz has allowed 41 goals on 353 shots faced, while Dennis Hildeby has given up 24 goals on 299 shots.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals lost to the Wild and Jets, and they play the Red Wings next. The Capitals have lost 4 of their last 5 games.
The Washington Capitals are averaging 3.21 goals per game and are scoring 15.6 percent of their power play opportunities. Tom Wilson leads Washington with 17 goals, John Carlson has 18 assists, and Jakob Chychrun has 110 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 2.55 goals per game and are killing 75.5 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Logan Thompson has given up 47 goals on 606 shots faced, and Charlie Lindgren has allowed 33 goals on 293 shots.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The home team has won four of the Capitals’ last five games.
- The Maple Leafs have lost each of their last three games following a home win.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Maple Leafs have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games.
- The Maple Leafs have lost the second period in each of their last three games as underdogs following a home win.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win
- The Maple Leafs have won five of their last six games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Capitals have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in 14 of their last 16 games at Capital One Arena.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five Thursday games as favorites.
- The Capitals have lost the second period in four of their last five games against Atlantic Division opponents when tied after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Maple Leafs’ last four games against opponents on a losing streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Six of the Capitals’ last seven games at Capital One Arena following a road loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 12 of the Maple Leafs’ last 13 road games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the last six games between the Maple Leafs and Capitals.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Jakob Chychrun has scored at least one goal in each of the Capitals’ last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Tom Wilson has recorded an assist in each of the Capitals’ last five games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Trevor van Riemsdyk has recorded 56 career blocks against the Maple Leafs – equal-most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Auston Matthews has scored a goal in each of his last seven Thursday night appearances.
- Auston Matthews has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five road appearances against the Capitals.
- Max Domi has recorded 17 career assists against the Capitals – most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals are one of five teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
- The Washington Capitals rank 27th in the league in power play percentage this season (15.63%).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank 8th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.76%).
- The Toronto Maple Leafs rank 32nd in the league for power play goals this season (12).
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals Prediction
I’m not excited to back either of these teams with the week they’re having, but the Capitals have the edge at home. The Maple Leafs haven’t had much success on the road this season, where they’ve lost 7 times. The Caps have also won 3 straight games against the Leafs, which includes a 4-2 win a couple of weeks ago. Both sides in need of a victory, I’d give the edge to the Capitals on their home ice, a place where they’ve earned points in each of their last 5 contests.