Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Washington Capitals | Game preview, projection and odds | November 28, 2025

The Toronto Maple Leafs sparred further criticism of their season so far after Wednesday's 2-1 OT win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Auston Matthews did not factor in any goals, but played for 24:35 minutes, which was a positive sign in his first game back from injury.

The Washington Capitals are 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with a 13-9-2 record (8-5-1 at home), and have won five of their last six games. With no new injuries to report, Alex Ovechkin & Co. will be looking to defend their fortress against Auston Matthews and his Maple Leafs tonight at the Capital One Arena.

Maple Leafs vs. Capitals head-to-head and key stats:

• Toronto has a 7-3-0 record in the last 10 regular-season games vs. Washington
• Toronto ranks 31st in the NHL in power-play % with 15, Capitals are 25th with 15.07
• Toronto's -7 goal differential ranks them 23rd in the NHL, Capitals are 2nd in goal differential with +16
• Toronto's 76 goals so far rank them as 8th in scoring, Washington is 4th with 80 goals
• Toronto is 23rd in GAA rating, having conceded 83 goals, Capitals are 8th after conceding 64 goals with a 2.7 GAA

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Maple Leafs vs. Capitals Preview

William Nylander missed Thursday's practice in Washington due to a maintenance day, but will skate up for tonight's clash vs. the Capitals. HC Craig Berube confirmed that Dakota Joshua will return to the lineup after being healthy scratched on Wednesday.

Forwards:

Knies - Matthews - Robertson

Cowan - Tavares - Nylander

Joshua - Roy - McMann

Lorentz - Laughton - Jarnkrok

Defencemen:

Rielly - Ekman-Larsson

Benoit - McCabe

Mermis - Stecher

Goaltenders:

Woll

Hildeby

Based on Thursday's practice, TSN reporter Mark Masters believes Max Domi will be healthy scratched on Friday vs. the Capitals based on HC Craig Berube's feedback on the 30-year-old forward's season so far.

"I dont know if its the defensive side of things, I think positionally he's been solid. I know his plus/minus doesn't say that .... For me, (it's about him) getting engaged more in the game. He's gotta get dirty down low in the offensive zone, win battles, and get more engaged that way, and get to the inside of the ice more. When he's skating and moving, he's an effective player, but its too inconsistent," said Berube about Max Domi's play so far this season.

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Maple Leafs vs. Capitals odds and prediction:

The Washington Capitals are the favorites to win at -150, and Toronto is an underdog at +125. The puck line is set at +1.5 for Toronto (-194); they have to win outright or lose by just one goal to cover the spread. Capitals, at +160, have to win by two goals or more to cover a -1.5 spread. The over/under is set at 6 goals.

Score prediction: Capitals 5, Maple Leafs 2

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Maple Leafs vs. Capitals betting tips:

• Over/under: Take over on 6 goals (-115)
• Money line: Take Capitals to win (-150)
• Puck line: Take Capitals to cover the -1.5 spread (-160)