After a feisty Sunday showdown and win over Columbus, the Capitals have now hit the conclusion of their 5-game road trip. The Capitals will play two games in the next 24 hours. Before the Capitals square off against the NY Rangers tomorrow evening, the Capitals will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at the Air Canada Centre. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM on CSN.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
The Maple Leafs are currently sitting in the 2nd spot in the Atlantic Division. They are just 1 point ahead of Ottawa and Boston. The Maple Leafs cannot catch division winner Montreal, but the Leafs are still fighting to clinch a playoff berth and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Rookie Auston Matthews is leading the charge for the Maple Leafs. The likely Calder Trophy candidate has recorded 39 goals and 67 points in 78 games. Youngsters William Nylander and Mitchell Marner are right behind Matthews with 60 points each.
#Leafs join the #NHLJets as the only teams with at least 4 players with 60+ points this season (Matthews, Marner, Nylander & Kadri).
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 4, 2017
The Leafs have a lot of speed and skill in their lineup with their young players. On special teams, the Leafs have the 2nd best powerplay in the NHL, as it is 24.3% effective. Their penalty kill is also very respectable as it is ranked 8th best in the NHL. Their penalty kill is 83% effective.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
With a win over Columbus in regulation on Sunday, the Capitals got some breathing room with their Metropolitan Division lead. The Capitals are now 5 points ahead of Pittsburgh and 6 points ahead of Columbus.
The Capitals got a goal from T.J. Oshie against Columbus, who has now recorded 33 goals. He is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the Capitals goal scoring lead. Marcus Johansson has been on a roll for the Capitals, as he has recorded 1 goal and 9 points in his last 5 games.
The Capitals have been excellent on special teams. The Capitals have the 3rd best powerplay in the NHL, as it is 23.4% effective. The penalty kill is ranked 7th best in the NHL, as it is 84.2% effective.
The Capitals daily report can be read here:
SHAVINGS
Expect a battle of backup goaltenders tonight. The goaltending matchup will be Philipp Grubauer versus Curtis McElhinney.
Philipp Grubauer will start in net tonight for Washington. #CapsLeafs #RockTheRed
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 4, 2017
Some division clinching scenarios are on the line for the Capitals tonight:
The #Caps have options… pic.twitter.com/cbtFVOxA3u
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) April 4, 2017
GAME LINKS
Game Notes at Toronto, 4/4/17 (Capitals PR)
By: George Foussekis
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