The Washington Capitals late push for the playoffs continues when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

Washington’s five points outside of the final playoff spot despite being in 12th place in a jam-packed Eastern Conference. It’s been a tough start to April for the Caps too, who are coming off an 8-1 loss at New York on Sunday and 7-3 loss at New Jersey last Thursday. An 8-4-2 stretch over the last month has positioned the Capitals back in the playoff race but it’s that point of the season where you either win or go home.

Toronto is back from a 1-2-1 road trip out West and return officially eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It breaks a nine-year streak of playoff appearances for Toronto, who are already making personnel changes after letting GM Brad Treliving go last week.

Puck drop at Scotiabank Arena is at 7:30 p.m. EDT with the Capitals a -150 moneyline favourite and the over-under at six on the NHL odds.

Capitals vs. Maple Leafs NHL Betting Odds

For better or worse, the Capitals are cruising to overs in their recent games. The over is on a perfect 6-0 run over their last six outings, with the winning team scoring at least five goals in each game. The Caps themselves have hit five or more goals in four of their last six showings.

With nothing else to play for in their final five games but pride, Toronto can also give their home fans a rare chance to cheer these days. Toronto’s won two of their last 12 home games and Wednesday’s the start of a stretch of three of four games at home for the Leafs. Washington’s dropped four of their last six visits to Toronto but are 2-0 against the Leafs after a pair of wins in Washington earlier this season. Both wins finished under the total, and saw the Capitals cover the -1.5 puckline.

Washington Capitals

It’s safe to assume Logan Thompson is getting the crease on Wednesday, and maybe for the rest of the season. Prior to Sunday’s 8-1 defeat, Thompson had played in 10 straight games for the Caps. Backup Charlie Lindgren played all 60 minutes in Sunday’s loss, allowing all eight goals. Thompson’s easily been the better of the two goalies with 28 wins and a .910 save percentage in 55 appearances this season.

Alex Ovechkin has now gone goal-less in three straight outings, but still has a team-high 31 goals and 30 assists on the season. Tom Wilson is a goal away from 30, while Jakob Chychrun continues to lead all defenceman with 25 goals. Expect this trio to be extremely active on offence with Washington’s season on the line.

Ilya Protas is expected to make his NHL debut, centring a line between brother Aliaksei Protas and Wilson. Both Protas’ brothers are listed at 6’6″, making the 6’4″ Wilson the smallest player on this forward line that totals nearly 700 total pounds.

Toronto Maple Leafs

With nothing to lose, Toronto’s opening things up and it’s leading to some exciting hockey. Saturday’s 7-6 overtime loss at L.A. is a prime example but didn’t yield the result the Leafs wanted. Matthew Knies was Toronto’s top performer with two goals and two assists in the loss and he’s now up to 64 points on the season. Knies is one of three Leafs on the season with 60 or more points, joining John Tavares and William Nylander. Tavares has scored in three straight games and is now at 30 goals on the season — the eighth time in his career he’s hit that feat.

Joseph Woll faced 40 shots on Saturday but let in seven goals. Woll and Anthony Stolarz have split the crease as of late and should do so over these next two days, with Wednesday being the first of a back-to-back for Toronto. Woll’s been the better of the two with a .902 save percentage and 15-14-7 record.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Capitals vs. Maple Leafs?