Capitals' Announcement Regarding Alex Ovechkin Puts Maple Leafs at a Disadvantage

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to face another top Eastern Conference team in the Washington Capitals, they will be without superstar goal scorer Auston Matthews, who is still nursing an injury and will be unavailable in tonight's tilt.

Meanwhile, per an official update, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is ready to go and will be back in action for Washington, eager to net a couple of goals as he continues to chase Wayne Greyzky's illustrious NHL goal scoring record.

According to Elliotte Friedman on X:

Ovechkin has been a notorious Leaf killer, scoring 44 goals in 60 career games against Toronto. He also started the season on a real heater, scoring 15 goals in his first 18 games before being injured.

Toronto will rely on their glut of talented forwards, many of whom have stepped up in Matthews' absence. Mitch Marner and John Tavares, in particular, have been playing at a high level, with the two connecting for a highlight-reel goal in yesterday's win over the Detroit Red Wings.

In Matthews' absence, the Leafs are missing quite possibly the most dynamic goal scorer since Ovechkin himself. Matthews' 69-goal season last year is something that Ovechkin himself has never accomplished, so his absence will definitely be felt -- especially with the Caps welcoming Ovi back into the fold tonight in Toronto.

Currently sitting at 868 goals, a well-rested Ovechkin is closing in on Gretzky's mark of 894 and will be looking to close that gap a little more tonight, which could spell trouble for the Leafs if they don't start on time after playing last night in Detroit.