After a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to bounce again as they go to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday evening. The Maple Leafs face a troublesome check in Alex Ovechkin, and the Capitals workforce is on a strong run. Can the Maple Leafs cease Ovie from scoring one other purpose on his run?
What Ought to Maple Leafs Followers Watch For Tonight?
Within the sport this night, what ought to Maple Leafs followers look ahead to?
What to Watch For One: Can the Maple Leafs’ Reply to Their Ottawa Loss?
Toronto’s loss to the Senators wasn’t simply on the scoreboard — the workforce struggled in all areas. Outshot 35-18 by way of the primary two intervals, the Maple Leafs seemed drained. Coach Craig Berube was blunt, noting that the workforce was outworked. Search for the Maple Leafs to attempt to restore their defensive self-discipline and puck management after this setback.
What to Watch For Two: Can the Maple Leafs Coax Again Their Energy Play and 5-on-5?
The Maple Leafs energy play has been a vibrant spot lately, changing at a staggering 53.8 p.c over the previous three video games. Nonetheless, their 5-on-5 scoring has hit a droop, with only one purpose at even energy over their final 5 video games.
William Nylander, Toronto’s main scorer with 11 targets, will look to interrupt his 5-on-5 drought. The query is whether or not the Maple Leafs power-play can bounce again after taking a zero on the night final evening.
What to Watch For Three: Can the Maple Leafs Quell Alex Ovechkin’s Scorching Begin?
Capitals’ captain Ovechkin has began this season sturdy, with ten targets in 14 video games. That’s a marked change from final yr’s slower begin. He continues pursuing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time purpose document, and his latest efficiency energizes the Capitals. Toronto’s protection should maintain him in test, particularly on the facility play, the place Ovechkin stays lethal.
Final season, Ovechkin seemed previous. He has been revitalized this season. He appears on prime of his sport, firing from his standard spot, the place nobody’s ever been capable of cease him from scoring.
What to Watch For 4: Can the Capitals’ Defensive Play and Goaltending Proceed Their Stellar Play?
Washington’s 8-1 thrashing of the Blues reveals how explosive their offense could be. The Capitals additionally deliver a strong defensive sport and might win low-scoring video games. Toronto might want to crack Washington’s defensive construction, which has been efficient in shutting down opponents this season.
Regardless of their power-play purpose towards the Blues, the Capitals have struggled with the person benefit. Just like the Maple Leafs per week in the past, they’ve transformed solely 12.5 p.c of their possibilities. Toronto, in the meantime, was thriving on the facility play however might want to enhance its penalty kill if it needs to include Ovechkin and his unit. Which workforce’s particular models can win the battle?
Daring Sport Prediction
The Maple Leafs can be motivated to bounce again, however the Capitals’ defensive energy and Ovechkin’s scoring risk current a problem. This sport may come all the way down to which workforce can capitalize on particular groups and whether or not Toronto can discover their rhythm at 5-on-5.
The Maple Leafs are on a back-to-back and must bounce again shortly. If they’ll achieve this, they’ll win. However maybe that’s an excessive amount of to ask with out Auston Matthews within the lineup.
Remaining Prediction: Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 3 (Additional time)
Associated: Might Ryan O’Reilly Return to the Maple Leafs?
