Washington Capitals (23-9-2) at Maple Leafs (22-12-2)
WHEN: Saturday, 7 p.m.
TV: Sportsnet RADIO: TSN 1050
ODDS: Washington -275, Toronto +200
THE BUZZ
Alexander Ovechkin is expected to return. An NHL Methuselah at age 39 and medical marvel after suffering a broken leg in mid-November, he has more than half the season remaining to complete his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record, needing 27 more … Toronto beat the re-calibrating Red Wings on Friday, but this back-to-back will take a toll … While Ovechkin has targeted a return here, Toronto’s Auston Matthews is still out … Each team has won in the other’s building so far this season, the most recent a 3-1 win by the Caps at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 6 … Toronto will seek to avoid a third straight loss at home … Toronto’s Mitch Marner enters the game off a hat trick in Detroit and tied with Connor McDavid for sixth in NHL scoring with 49 points.
THE NEWS
Goaltender Matt Murray was recalled from the Marlies a couple of days ago and could make his first home start in net this season after winning his emotional return match from bilateral hip surgery a week ago in Buffalo … Winger Ryan Reaves and defenceman Conor Timmins, who were scratched Friday, could return … John Tavares, on a six-game points’ streak, will be looking for his 50th career against Washington.
THE QUOTE
“He says ‘I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m feeling good, but (the medical staff) has to talk him down a little bit.” – Washington coach Spencer Carbery on keeping an eager Ovechkin from trying to rush back in the lineup too early.
THE POLL
Who’s your favourite to have played in Washington and Toronto?
1. Mike Palmateer
2. Mike Gartner
3. Al Iafrate
4. Craig Berube
THE PROJECTED LEAFS LINEUP
Forwards
Max Pacioretty John Tavares Mitch Marner
Matthew Knies Pontus Holmberg William Nylander
Bobby McMann Max Domi Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz/Connor Dewar David Kampf Ryan Reaves
Defence
Chris Tanev – Jake McCabe
Morgan Rielly – Philippe Myers/Conor Timmins
Simon Benoit – Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Goal
Matt Murray
Joseph Woll
Injuries
Toronto:
G Anthony Stolarz (knee), D Jani Hakanpaa (knee), C Auston Matthews (upper body), F Calle Jarnkrok (groin).
Washington:
LW Alex Ovechkin (leg), F Sonny Milano (upper body), C Lars Eller (illness).
The Prediction
Caps will take a bite out of weary Leafs, 4-2 Washington.
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