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The Capitals and the Maple Leafs are each other’s first stop on the postseason train. With a second-round spot on the line, both of these franchises will throw everything they’ve got at each other to in order to stay in it and win it. Both teams have a very turbulent history, both struggling to keep up with the postseason pressure. Let’s take a look at these two teams’ playoff history.
The Capitals easily make the playoffs every year, but just can’t seem to turn their regular season success into playoff success. Washington has only made it to the Stanley Cup once and was soundly defeated by the Red Wings in 1998. Since that Cup loss, the Capitals haven’t been able to get past the first two rounds of the playoffs. Every year it feels like it’s the same story: Caps are at the top of the standings and are always the Eastern conference favorites to make the Cup. Yet every year the Caps seem to sink when they need to stay afloat, causing disappointment for the teams and fans. This is a big year for the Caps as they have a solid team, solid coaching, and a solid goaltender, so nothing is stopping them from getting over their postseason blues. It is never a good time when your team is associated with choking, so the Caps have a chance to cleanse their history in this year’s playoffs.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the last time the Leafs won a cup, so congrats on that Toronto. Not only do they have the longest drought of not winning a cup, but they also have the longest drought of appearing in the Stanley Cup finals. While the team has a very large and proud fanbase that always fills the Air Canada center, their fans just can’t seem to catch a break. The last time the Leafs were in the playoffs was way back in 2013, where they were able to force a game seven against the Boston Bruins. The Leafs looked like they had already punched their second round ticket, as they had a 4-1 lead over the bruins in the third period Bruins scored three straight, forcing and overtime which ultimately led to a Bruins win. Toronto and Toronto fans were apoplectic of how quickly things turned sour, though the Leafs fans got their just deserts as Boston lost the Blackhawks in the cup finals due to the Hawks comeback in game six. The Leafs also had a shot at clinching the third spot in the playoffs, but two straight losses knocked them down the wild card spot, forcing them to play the number one Caps. This postseason means a lot to the Leafs for any season they get a spot at in the playoffs, means another season they can possibly end the drought.
The history of these two teams has already been written and both teams are looking to exorcise their playoff demons. With both teams trying to prove something and do whatever it takes to win the Stanley Cup, get ready for an exciting series. To learn how you can watch this matchup, check below to see your viewing options.
Capitals vs. Maple Leafs Viewing Details
Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017
Time: 7:00 P.M. EST
Location: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
TV Channel: USA (Check local listings.)
How To Live Stream Capitals vs. Maple Leafs Online
Your best bet for watching the Capitals take on The Maple Leafs online via a live stream is USAnetwork.com. You will need your log-in and password information for your cable or satellite provider and you’re good to go.
If you don’t have access to a cable or satellite log-in, you can watch the game through Sling TV. Sling TV is a service that allows subscribers to watch live and on-demand TV channels on TVs, computers, or mobile devices for a monthly fee. It’s just like a cable or satellite TV service, except it’s delivered over the internet. The service’s Orange package includes USA network and costs $20 a month, but you can sign up for a free seven-day trial. If you cancel your subscription within the week, you will not be charged. Once signed up, simply download the app for your computer to start watching.
You can also live stream USA network online through DIRECTV NOW. DIRECTV offers a free seven-day trial, so you will receive a full week free before your paid membership begins. If you cancel your subscription within the seven day period, you will not be charged. DIRECTV NOW is available on Desktop, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast.
Watch Capitals vs. Maple Leafs On Phone, Tablet Or Mobile
You can also watch the game on the Sling app. Sign up for a free Sling trial and download their app from the App Store or Google Play. There is also a Sling app for Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV.
DIRECTV has a DIRECTV NOW app on App Store and Google Play where you can watch USA Network for free, using your seven-day trial. You must cancel it before the trial period ends.
