26/82: December 6th vs. WSH

Final Score: Leafs 1, Capitals 3

The 2024-25 Washington Capitals are a great example of a team making smart moves in the offseason and therefore having the necessary depth to weather missing their best player.

Alexander Ovechkin’s fracture appears to be healing really well. Without him, Washington is 5-2-1 this season (according to StatMuse).

That’s credited to their depth and the play in net by the tandem of Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren.

John Tavares’ second-period breakaway backhander was all the offense the Leafs could convert on against a Capitals team that proved relentless on the forecheck and did not give up much in the neutral zone. As well, they controlled the puck well and sustained pressure in the Leafs’ third.

Question(s) for the Capitals: Who will relinquish their spot from the forward group when Ovechkin returns? Will the team sustain their momentum?

The Leafs head to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins tonight. 7pm puck drop.