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Maple Leafs hope Fletcher's return as GM means more victories

Jan 23, 2008 - 1:51 PM Washington (22-21-5) at Toronto (19-22-8) 7:30 pm EST

TORONTO (Ticker) - Playing for the first time since the team changed general managers, the Toronto Maple Leafs face the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Maple Leafs shook up their front office, firing John Ferguson and replacing him with 72-year-old Cliff Fletcher, who previously held the job from 1991-97.

"I know here in Toronto the expectations are high," Fletcher said. "I look forward to the challenge and a few tough months ahead."

The Maple Leafs had a three-game win streak snapped on Sunday with a 3-2 loss at New Jersey. Toronto is 4-8-0 in its last 12 games.

"We played good hockey these last four games," captain Mats Sundin said. "We played against one of the best teams in the conference. We had a lot of chances and, in the third period, we totally dominated them."

Washington is 16-7-4 since coach Glen Hanlon was fired and replaced by Bruce Boudreau on November 22. The Capitals, 8-2 in their last 10 games, are coming off a 6-5 shootout victory over Pittsburgh on Monday.

Seeking its first five-game winning streak since 2000-01, the Capitals have scored four or more goals in eight of their last 10 contests.

The Capitals have won three of the last four meetings from the Maple Leafs.