Capitals vs. Maple Leafs Preview: October 16, 2019

by Wesley Hunt · October 16, 2019

The Washington Capitals stand for round two of a three game homestead. The visiting Toronto Maple Leafs are riding high, but the Capitals are ready for them. The first visit for Toronto this season is sure to be a strong one, as both teams made the playoffs last year and have chips on their shoulders.

The Capitals are 3-2-3, but still holding strong in the Metro Division. This team is boom-or-bust, either winning or choking a huge lead. Nonetheless, the team has been scoring well. They continue to score about three goals a game, and star Alex Ovechkin has a point in every game. In all seven games, he has five goals and two assists, well on his way to another phenomenal season. The Leafs are 4-2-1, and behind John Tavares and Auston Matthews are a legitimate contender in the east. This clash of titans will happen in Washington.

The Capitals still look to the aging Braden Holtby to right the ship for them. Though he has been less strong as of late, he is still a worthy goalie for the team. Ilya Samsonov waits in the wings, but his talents are best held for later. The Capitals now look to score, but also defend to prevent another late collapse.

Starting Lines for the Capitals:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie

Hagelin-Kuznetsov-Wilson

Vrana-Eller-Hathaway

Leipsic-Stephenson-Panik

Siegenthaler-Carlson

Orlov-Gudas

Jensen-Lewington

Holtby will start as goalie.

Starting Lines for the Maple LEafs:

Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander

Moore-Tavares-Marner