The Toronto Maple Leafs (16-7-2) will host the Washington Capitals (17-6-2) tonight, searching for to increase their three-game profitable streak and construct their lead within the Atlantic Division. The Maple Leafs have been on a tear, profitable 10 of their final 12 video games, together with an exciting 3-2 comeback victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. They scored all three targets in a dominant third interval in that recreation.
Nonetheless, as lofty because the Maple Leafs could be, the Capitals have a greater file. Washington arrives in Toronto seeking to redeem themselves after a heartbreaking 4-3 extra time loss to the Maple Leafs on Nov. 13. Washington led 3-1 after two intervals in that recreation however surrendered two late targets earlier than Mitch Marner arrange John Tavares for the extra time winner.
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Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery stays optimistic about his group’s probabilities. “I believe it provides us some confidence that we will play nicely,” Carbery stated, reflecting on their sturdy two-period efficiency within the earlier assembly. “We are able to go into their constructing and play at a excessive degree.”
Toronto has been dominant at residence this season, boasting a 12-3-0 file, and can intention to proceed that pattern in opposition to a Capitals group desperate to snap their current loss.
Merchandise One: Matthews and Marner Are Main the Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have been instrumental within the Maple Leafs’ current success, delivering game-changing play. Matthews’ has returned to kind. After lacking 9 video games as a result of an upper-body harm, he has re-established himself as Toronto’s offensive engine. He has recorded three targets and two assists in three video games since returning, together with a two-goal efficiency in opposition to Nashville.
His skating and timing regarded sharp on Wednesday, prompting head coach Craig Berube to name it Matthews’ greatest recreation since returning. Matthews’ presence can be crucial in opposition to Washington, a group he didn’t face of their final assembly. His capacity to drive play and capitalize on his probabilities to attain may tilt the sport within the Maple Leafs’ favour.
Merchandise Two: Marner’s Sizzling Streak Has Pushed Him to a New Degree
Marner has been equally as excellent, extending his factors streak to eight video games (5 targets, 11 assists). Towards Nashville, he registered three assists. Two got here early within the third interval on Matthews’ two fast targets that turned a one-goal deficit right into a one-goal lead.
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Marner’s imaginative and prescient, creativity, and clutch play have pushed him to a brand new degree of play this season. For nearly as good as he was over the previous seasons, bumping up near the century mark in season’s totals, he’s been higher this season. He’s taking part in his greatest hockey ever. Marner’s chemistry with Matthews stays one of the crucial potent offensive weapons within the NHL.
Merchandise Three: Maple Leafs’ Projected Lineup
The projected Maple Leafs lineup consists of: (from “GAMEDAY: Maple Leafs, Capitals meet in conflict of two of NHL’s prime golf equipment,” Toronto Solar, Terry Koshan, 06/12/2024)
(Photograph by Mark Blinch/NHLI by way of Getty Photographs)
Ahead Models
Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner
Fraser Minten-John Tavares-William Nylander
Nick Robertson-Pontus Holmberg-Steven Lorentz
Nikita Grebenkin-Connor Dewar-Ryan Reaves
Defensive Pairings
Oliver Ekman-Larsson—Chris Tanev
Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers
Simon Benoit-Conor Timmins
In Objective
Anthony Stolarz
Joseph Woll
What Are the Maple Leafs Keys to Success Towards the Capitals?
To increase their profitable streak, the Maple Leafs will want Matthews and Marner to maintain their offensive energy whereas persevering with to play disciplined defence, as emphasised by Berube. Toronto’s defensive construction, which has helped them permit the second-fewest targets within the league, can be essential in opposition to a Capitals group seeking to replicate their early success from the final assembly.
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The Maple Leafs can even want to remain affected person, as they did in opposition to Nashville, and capitalize on their alternatives once they come up. If Matthews and Marner proceed main the best way, the Maple Leafs have a powerful probability of extending their profitable streak to 4 video games.
