We’ve got 14 games on the NHL betting slate tonight, including a marquee matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals. Toronto is a sizable home favorite in the NHL odds.
The Leafs are dealing with multiple injuries tonight as they look to complete the series sweep on the Capitals. That’s why a good start to the game will be key for them. Find out why in my free NHL picks for Capitals vs. Maple Leafs on Thursday, March 28.
Capitals vs Maple Leafs odds
Capitals vs Maple Leafs predictions
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals play each other for the second time in about a week. Last Wednesday, the Buds demolished the Caps 7-3, with Auston Matthews getting the party started early with a goal just 16 seconds into the game.
That’s where I see some value on tonight’s betting board in this game with the Maple Leafs getting even-money odds (+100) to score the first goal of the game in the first period.
The Leafs just got a strip torn off them by head coach Sheldon Keefe after Tuesday’s loss to New Jersey, where the coach called their game immature and publicly called out the leaders in the room. I’d expect a pretty energetic start to the game for Toronto after that tongue-lashing.
The trends suggest the Leafs are more likely to score first, too. The Buds have scored the first goal of the game in both meetings this season against Washington, and have also done so in five of their last seven games. In fact, they’ve consistently hit on this prop all season with a win rate of 56%. Whereas the Caps have been scored on first in 40 of their 71 games played (56%).
Furthermore, Washington has struggled overall finding offense early in hockey games with the fifth-lowest amount of first-period goals in the NHL, averaging just .79 goals in the opening frame. Toronto however, is Top 10 in the league in first period scoring with 69 goals in 71 games, averaging .99 goals in the period.
My best bet: Maple Leafs to score first in first period (+100 at Sports Interaction)
Capitals vs Maple Leafs same-game parlay
Maple Leafs to score first
William Nylander anytime goal
Maple Leafs Over 2.5 goals
For Leg 1 of my same-game parlay, I’ll mirror my best bet and take the Leafs to score the first goal of the game. They’ve done it in both meetings against the Caps so far this season and in 40 of their 71 games this year.
Next up, let’s bet on an anytime goal from William Nylander. He’s got eight goals in the month of March and six goals in his last seven games. He’s also scored in four straight meetings against the Capitals.
For my final leg, I’ll take the Leafs to score Over 2.5 goals. They’ve gone Over this number in six of their last seven games and scored four and seven goals, respectively, in the two previous matchups against Washington. Plus, the Caps are averaging three goals against over their last five despite winning four of those games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Capitals vs Maple Leafs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Leafs have dominated this rivalry since Keefe took over behind the bench, winning seven of the last eight games against the Capitals and outscoring them 36-21.
- The absence of Mitch Marner, Calle Jarnkrok, Joel Edmondson, and possibly Morgan Rielly (game-time decision) could continue to negatively impact the Leafs' special teams play.
- The Over is 6-2-2 in the last 10 head-to-head games with an average of 7.3 goals scored per game.
Capitals vs Maple Leafs betting trend to know
The Maple Leafs are 19-16 on the moneyline this season while on home ice. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Maple Leafs.
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Capitals vs Maple Leafs game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Thursday, March 28, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Monumental, Sportsnet Ontario |
Capitals vs Maple Leafs latest injuries
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