{"id":478624,"date":"2025-11-28T08:15:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T13:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=478624"},"modified":"2025-11-27T20:28:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T01:28:37","slug":"nhl-predictions-november-28th-toronto-maple-leafs-washington-capitals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/28\/nhl-predictions-november-28th-toronto-maple-leafs-washington-capitals\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: November 28th Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"748\">The Toronto Maple Leafs head to the U.S. capital for a matchup with the Washington Capitals, with both teams looking to build on wins from their previous outings. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with <em>Last Word On Hockey<\/em>. The Capitals enter this one riding a strong stretch, winning five of their last six games and tightening up defensively <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/capitals\/team\/coaching-staff\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">under Spencer Carbery<\/a>. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs snapped a two-game skid with an overtime victory against the Blue Jackets, a game that saw their young stars step up when it mattered most.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"748\"><strong>NHL Predictions: Leafs vs Capitals<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>2025-26 Head-to-Head: <\/strong>Leafs 0-0 Capitals<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:\u00a0<\/strong>5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"852\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\"><strong>How to Watch:<\/strong><\/a> TSN 4, Monumental, ESPN+<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.primevideo.com\/salp\/nhl\/ref=dvm_ass_acm_xx_mf_s_imp_d990ef38Naf6411f0bc06bb6bfb4a4ee\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/11\/PRIMN_25_OOHDisplayAdBanner_Desktop_728x90_POST_Final_en-CA_PV00045908_Tonight.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals: Game Preview<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"111\" data-end=\"671\">The Capitals enter this matchup playing confident, structured hockey. Their defensive game has tightened significantly, allowing them to stay competitive even in low-scoring battles. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomplo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan Thompson<\/a> has been sharp between the pipes, giving Washington the stability it\u2019s needed in net. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/28\/2026-milano-cortina-winter-olympics-nhl-rumours-team-canada-goalies-debate\" target=\"_self\">He&#8217;s making his case for Team Canada, almost undeniable<\/a>. Their veteran core, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carlsjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Carlson<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stromdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Strome<\/a>, has found a steady rhythm at the perfect time. Washington\u2019s ability to slow the game down, clog up the neutral zone, and force opponents into a grinding style has been a major reason for their recent success. If the Capitals apply lots of offensive pressure they will have lots of opportunities to score.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"673\" data-end=\"1530\">Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs come into Washington looking to build on the momentum of their dramatic overtime win against the Blue Jackets. Toronto continues to rely heavily on its top stars to generate offence, and with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kniesma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Knies<\/a> trending toward full health, the Leafs\u2019 attack is starting to look more complete. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tavarjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Tavares<\/a> remain the engines of the forward group, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cowanea01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Easton Cowan<\/a>\u2019s emergence gives the middle six an extra burst of speed and creativity. Yet, consistency remains the question. Toronto still needs more from its depth forwards and must tighten up defensively, especially in front of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wolljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-11-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joseph Woll<\/a>. Special teams could ultimately be the deciding factor, with the Leafs\u2019 power play struggling to convert at its usual elite level and Washington\u2019s penalty kill holding strong during their recent run. The Maple Leafs will have to try and contain Washington&#8217;s offence by clogging the middle of the ice and forcing lots of dump-ins. With Joseph Woll in the net and a sound defensive game, the Maple Leafs will have a chance to win the game.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2604\">Prediction &amp; Key Bets<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1421\"><strong data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1421\">Final Score Prediction: <\/strong>Capitals 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT)<\/p>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-691ddd9c-7c98-832f-aae3-eea507bd1972-1\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-286\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"6fb6d113-a56e-4ba5-8e80-6efdc919a993\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1823\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">This matchup has all the makings of a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/26\/early-season-struggles-push-toronto-maple-leafs-to-last-place\/\" target=\"_self\">tight, defensive game<\/a>. Toronto\u2019s skill gives them a chance on any night, but Washington\u2019s recent form, home-ice advantage, and ability to control pace may give them the edge. Expect a fast, physical matchup that comes down to goaltending and late-game execution. The Leafs push it to overtime, but the Capitals\u2019 current momentum helps them steal the extra point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<h2 data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2941\">Best Betting Angles:<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Moneyline:\u00a0<\/strong>Washington wins<\/p>\n<p><strong>Total Goals: <\/strong>Over 6.0 goals, both teams have high skill, and they can both produce a lot of goals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Player Prop:\u00a0<\/strong>Auston Matthews anytime goal<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-content content-styled max-w-none\">\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs head to the U.S. capital for a matchup with the Washington Capitals, with both teams looking to build on wins from their previous outings. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey. The Capitals enter this one riding a strong stretch, winning five of their last [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5672,"featured_media":433483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,4547,4548,4524,15],"tags":[6062,6239],"class_list":["post-478624","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leafs","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","category-capitals","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/478624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5672"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=478624"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/478624\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":478698,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/478624\/revisions\/478698"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/433483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=478624"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=478624"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=478624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}