The Coach's 10* NHL Wednesday SURE SHOT
(NHL) Washington vs. Toronto,
Money Line: -102.00 Toronto (Home)
Result: Loss
The Washington Capitals are coming off back-to-back victories but those were both at home and they've dropped two of their last three away from home. The Maple Leafs are back in Toronto after a disappointing six game road-trip which led to Randy Carlisle losing his job yesterday. They're much stronger at Air Canada Center, and I think we're getting a good price on the hosts.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. New Strategy - It's never fun when a coach loses his job but sometimes it's necessary. The Maple Leafs are capable of playing some great hockey and rank second in the league for goals scored per game. It's at the other end of the ice they've struggled, and I expect assistants Peter Horachek and Steve Spott to clean up some of the sloppy play.

2. Home Cookin' - Toronto is sporting a respectable 14-8-0 at home for the season. They're 5-1 in their last six at home and have won four of the last five home meetings versus the Caps.

3. X-Factor - Phil Kessell is leading the Maple Leafs with his 18 goals and 23 assists. He had two assists when Toronto defeated the Caps 6-2 in the first meeting for the season on November 29 and could be in for another big game here.

Selection: This is a play on the Toronto Maple Leafs (8*)