Capitals vs. Maple Leafs: Tale of the Tape, Lines, Players To Watch

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have another high-stakes game on Saturday that they've had circled on their calendars, as they will face former friend Ilya Samsonov and the Toronto Maple Leafs and look to win the rematch after falling in Toronto in the second game of the season.

Here is everything to know ahead of puck drop.

Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Tale of the Tape

Despite a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday, the Capitals (15-13-4) feel they're taking things in the right direction. They have won five of their last six games and stacked up well against the top team in the Central Division, and things have just been clicking well all the way through the lineup. Washington has power-play goals in six of their last seven games, and the penalty kill hasn't given up all too much. Meanwhile, they're getting scoring, the defense is tightening up and Charlie Lindgren has stepped up with Darcy Kuemper still on the shelf.

With a win tonight, the Capitals have a chance to get back into playoff position.

Toronto (19-6-6) is a tough opponent led by former goaltender Samsonov. Samsonov leads the NHL in save percentage (.939) and GAA (1.70) through 11 starts. He has been a force for the Leafs, who are second in the Atlantic. They average over three goals per game, but they also don't give up much, as their 2.35 goals allowed per game are the second-lowest in the league. Their power play is the 11th best in the NHL (23.8), while their penalty kill is near the middle of the pack (79.2).

Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Lines

Sonny Milano is back after missing Thursday's game with a non-COVID illness, so the lines go back to the way they were against the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, Kuemper wasn't ruled out to back up, though Lindgren will start.

Here are the combinations:

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Conor Sheary

Sonny Milano-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Anthony Mantha

Marcus Johansson-Lars Eller-T.J. Oshie

Aliaksei Protas-Nic Dowd-Garnet Hathaway

Erik Gustafsson-John Carlson

Dmitry Orlov-Nick Jensen

Trevor van Riemsdyk-Matt Irwin

Charlie Lindgren

Darcy Kuemper/Hunter Shepard

Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Players To Watch

On the Washington side, an eye on Alex Ovechkin, who is still on the hunt to tie — and then pass — Gordie Howe after recording his 800th goal on Thursday. He has seven goals in his last five game, and he's on a five-game point streak. Also watch for Conor Sheary, who has eight points in his last eight games. Dylan Strome has four points in his last five games and points in back-to-back games.

As for the Leafs, look out for Mitch Marner, who recently saw a record-breaking 23-game point streak come to an end. Also look out for Auston Matthews, who leads the team with 35 points in 31 games and was on an eight-game point streak before Thursday's loss to New York.

How To Tune In

Local fans can watch the action live on NBC Sports Washington and tune in to listen on Caps Radio 24/7. Toronto fans up north can catch the action on CBC as part of Hockey Night In Canada. The game will also be on ESPN+ and NHL Network.