The Washington Capitals (18-11-4) will try to stop a three-game losing streak when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (15-12-5) at home on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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Get ready for this matchup by checking out our prediction for who will emerge with the victory in Thursday's hockey action.
In the past 10 contests for the Maple Leafs (6-2-2), their offense has scored 31 goals while their defense has given up 20 goals. They have had 22 power-play opportunities during that span, and have scored three goals (13.6%).
Capitals vs. Maple Leafs Predictions for Thursday
Our computer projections model for this contest expects a final score of Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 2.
- Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-154)
- Total Pick: Over 6 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
- Spread Pick: Capitals (-1.5)
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Capitals Splits and Trends
- The Capitals (18-11-4 overall) have a 1-4-5 record in contests that have needed overtime.
- In the seven games Washington has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 4-3-0 record (good for eight points).
- In the five games this season the Capitals recorded only one goal, they've finished 1-4-0 (two points).
- Washington has finished 2-1-2 in the five games this season when it scored exactly two goals (registering six points).
- The Capitals have scored at least three goals 21 times, and are 15-4-2 in those games (to register 32 points).
- In the 11 games when Washington has scored a lone power-play goal, it went 9-2-0 to record 18 points.
- In the 16 games when it outshot its opponent, Washington is 9-6-1 (19 points).
- The Capitals' opponents have had more shots in 13 games. The Capitals finished 8-3-2 in those contests (18 points).
Maple Leafs Splits and Trends
- The Maple Leafs have a record of 15-12-5 this season and are 4-5-9 in overtime games.
- Toronto has earned 18 points (7-3-4) in its 14 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
- This season the Maple Leafs scored only one goal in one game and they lost in overtime.
- Toronto has earned eight points (3-5-2 record) this season when scoring exactly two goals .
- The Maple Leafs have earned 26 points in their 21 games with three or more goals scored.
- This season, Toronto has recorded a single power-play goal in 10 games has a record of 4-4-2 in those matchups.
- When outshooting its opponent this season, Toronto is 3-5-1 (seven points).
- The Maple Leafs have been outshot by opponents 22 times this season, and earned 26 points in those games.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Capitals Rank | Capitals AVG | Maple Leafs AVG | Maple Leafs Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | 3.21 | Goals Scored | 3.28 | 5th |
| 3rd | 2.55 | Goals Allowed | 3.22 | 21st |
| 8th | 29.1 | Shots | 27 | 21st |
| 11th | 27.3 | Shots Allowed | 31.3 | 31st |
| 27th | 15.63% | Power Play % | 15% | 30th |
| 28th | 75.49% | Penalty Kill % | 82.76% | 8th |
Capitals vs. Maple Leafs Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
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