3 things Maple Leafs can do to steal series from Capitals

There's excitement in the air in Toronto.

That's because the Maple Leafs return to the Air Canada Centre after their first two games in Washington against the Presidents' Trophy winners and are not behind in the series.

In fact, one could say Toronto holds the edge for the time being, having muscled home-ice advantage away from the Capitals after a double-overtime win in Game 2 to knot the series at 1-1.

The Maple Leafs have shown over the first two games - both going to extra time - that they are at least going shot for shot with the Capitals, and as it stands now, this series looks as though it could go the distance.

The Capitals may still be the favorites, and they have certainly earned that distinction with their strong regular-season play, but the Maple Leafs are far from out of it. Here are three things that could swing the series in Toronto's favor:

Remaining disciplined

While the Maple Leafs have certainly held their own against this season's top club, the Capitals have feasted on the Maple Leafs with the extra skater.

Through two games, the Capitals boast the most successful power play in the postseason, firing at a 37.5 percent success rate. Their three power-play tallies also account for half of the team's total goals in the series.

The Maple Leafs have taken six penalties thus far. What hurts more is that at least two have come from a lack of discipline; the most notable being Martin Marincin's slash on Lars Eller that led to Alex Ovechkin's first of the series Saturday.

Toronto has outscored Washington 5-3 at even strength, so limiting the opportunities for the Capitals' power play appears vital.

Keeping those strong starts coming

What doesn't bode well for the Capitals in this series is that in both contests they've been chasing the game after conceding early goals.

An early Game 1 surge even saw Toronto take a 2-0 lead before the contest was 10 minutes old. Of course, the Capitals have rallied to tie the game on both occasions, but the extra pressure on the road could provide a different challenge for Washington.

Being forced to chase the game can create desperate play which often leads to more mistakes. Simply put, it's always better to have the lead than not, and the Leafs have been doing good job of getting out on the front foot.

Freddy staying steady

Whether or not you feel Tom Wilson's match-winner in Game 1 was a weak one to surrender, the fact is the Maple Leafs wouldn't have had a fighting chance in that contest had Frederik Andersen not made numerous spectacular saves leading up to that point.

Related - Watch: Andersen flashes leather on Johansson late in regulation

Andersen followed up Game 1 with an even more brilliant outing in Game 2, turning away 47 of the 50 shots thrown his way. The 27-year-old is averaging 47 shots against per game, the most of any goaltender in the postseason.

All that said, it seems Andersen has done more than just keep pucks out of his club's net, as his stellar play appears to be driving the entire team.

"He was outstanding in game one and obviously, he was no slouch tonight," Morgan Rielly said of Andersen after Saturday's win. "He's been the backbone of this team all year, he's been outstanding night-in and night-out. ... His calmness is felt by all of his teammates.

"When we're out there playing and we know he's behind us, it gives us that much more confidence. Him as a person, he's calm, calculated, and quiet. I think that just translates to his play and what he's able to do to help this team is huge. The way he plays the puck is a big part of our breakouts and, again, he was outstanding tonight. He has been a big part of our team all year."

The Maple Leafs have a chance to pull off a major upset, but it likely won't come to pass without the continued play of their starting goaltender.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)