Capitals vs. Maple Leafs: Game 1 prediction

The Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs open their playoff series on Thursday April 13. Here’s a prediction for Game 1. 

One of the most intriguing series in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs is the one between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Caps enter the postseason with the best record in the NHL for the second consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Leafs are in the postseason for the first time since 2012-13. They open their first round series on Thursday at the Verizon Center starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Game 1 should determine how the rest of the series goes. The Caps will be looking to start their quest for a Stanley Cup off on the right foot. However, the Maple Leafs will look to put even more pressure on them by winning Game 1. All of the pressure in this series is on Washington, who are in the second year of the two year window to win the Stanley Cup.

The Caps ended the 2016-17 regular season with the third most goals in the NHL. They also allowed the fewest in the league. This should give them an advantage over the offensively inclined Maple Leafs. While Toronto scored the fifth most goals, they also allowed the eighth most. Behind Vezina Trophy candidate Braden Holtby and a strong blue line starring Kevin Shattenkirk and Matt Niskanen, the Capitals have a clear advantage defensively.

Behind the bench, the Leafs have the better coach. Barry Trotz is an excellent coach, but Mike Babcock remains the best in the business. He’s led a huge turnaround, going from last place in the NHL to the postseason.

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Game 1 prediction: The Caps mean business. They’ve been rolling for a while while the Leafs took a while to clinch a playoff spot. Washington should win this game 4-2.