We’ve got 11 games on the NHL betting slate tonight, including an Eastern Conference clash between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotia Bank Arena.
John Tavares has been a thorn in the side of the Caps his entire career, and my Maple Leafs vs. Capitals prediction will be targeting his points prop for tonight’s best bet.
Find out why in my free NHL picks for this December 28 matchup.
Maple Leafs vs Capitals prediction
My Leafs pick
John Tavares Over 0.5 points (-160 at Sports Interaction)
My Leafs analysis
The Buds won the first matchup of the season 4-3 in overtime; meanwhile, the Caps were victorious earlier in the month when Washington beat Toronto 3-1 at SBA.
Despite being even in the season series, the Leafs have had immense success against the Washington Capitals lately. They have won eight of their last ten games and scored four or more goals in seven of those meetings.
The Leafs’ biggest offensive weapon during that 10-game span has been former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares.
It’s really a perfect storm to be betting on Tavares right now.
Not only does he dominate the Capitals each time he plays them, but he’s also just generally playing some of his best hockey in years right now with at least one point in six straight games, totaling 11 points in that stretch.
He’s been given an elevated role over the past few games as well with Auston Matthews out with injury.
In this time, Tavares has been reunited with Mitch Marner and the two are rekindling the magic they once had earlier in their careers.
They’ve both put up back-to-back multi-point games in the two games since being put together. Additionally, Tavares has also found success on the power play in two straight games.
So whether it’s on the man advantage or at 5-on-5, the Leafs' top pivot will hope to continue his dominance against Washington.
Maple Leafs vs Capitals same-game parlay (SGP)
John Tavares anytime goal
Under 7.5 goals
Capitals puck line +1.5
Tavares has 17 goals on the season and has scored at least once in four of the last five games against Washington, including both of the previous matchups earlier this season.
Next up, we’ll roll with the alternate total and take Under 7.5 goals tonight. The Caps have been in a lot of tight, low-scoring games lately. They’re 8-0-2 to the Under in their last 10 games.
Historically, this Leafs vs. Caps matchup has gone Under 7.5 goals in eight of the last 10 meetings between these two clubs.
For the final leg of our SGP, I’m going to take the Capitals on the puck line. The Caps have been cover darlings this season, going 22-12 against the spread.
They’ve also been excellent on the road with a 12-5 record overall, so an outright win with the Leafs on a back-to-back isn't out of the question either.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Maple Leafs vs Capitals odds
Maple Leafs vs Capitals live odds
Maple Leafs vs Capitals opening odds
- Puck line: Toronto (+113) | Washington (-135)
- Moneyline: Toronto +1.5 (-225) | Washington -1.5 (+180)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-120) | Under 6 (+100)
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Maple Leafs vs Capitals trend
The Toronto Maple Leafs have hit the Game Total Under in 26 of their last 47 games at home. Find more NHL betting trends for Maple Leafs vs. Capitals.
How to watch Maple Leafs vs Capitals
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-28-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Maple Leafs vs Capitals latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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