TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs Coach Mike Babcock was asked about the Washington Capitals’ scorching power play after his team’s morning skate on Saturday. How do you slow it down? Babcock suggested just staying out of the penalty box.
That lasted for one period before the Capitals, facing a struggling goaltender, were opportunistic when the Maple Leafs did eventually go to the box in the second period, notching two power-play goals to take control on their way to a 4-2 win.
Washington’s fifth straight win moved the Capitals into first place in the Metropolitan Division with 35 points and a 17-5-1 record after the New York Rangers (16-6-2, 34 points) lost to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday afternoon.