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3 takeaways from Leafs-Flyers: Laughton outstanding in return game, Cowan gets the last laugh
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Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Arun Srinivasan
Jan 9, 2026, 06:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 9, 2026, 02:40 EST
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Scott Laughton was a beloved member of the Philadelphia Flyers, before he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs at last year’s deadline. The concept of revenge games in the NHL may be somewhat exaggerated, but Laughton exacted a measure of poetic justice against his former club, scoring the game-tying goal in a dominant performance Thursday. Easton Cowan registered the overtime winner for the Maple Leafs in a 2-1 victory, but the story of the game belongs to Laughton.
Laughton was apparently in a feisty mood prior to the game, jokingly referring to former Flyers teammate Travis Konecny as a rat. The veteran forward was a staple in Philadelphia’s civic community, and this was more than just another game on the schedule. He delivered with a massive goal, while delivering one of the best performances in the faceoff dot out of any player in recent memory.
Dennis Hildeby was terrific for the Maple Leafs, making 22 saves in the winning effort. Cowan deserves his flowers too, scoring in the same venue where he recorded his first NHL goal earlier this season. Maybe Cowan against the Flyers is the new ‘Matthew Knies owns the state of Florida’ as he’s recorded two crucial moments of his rookie season at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Here are three takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 victory over the Flyers: 

Scott Laughton delivers outstanding performance in return to Philadelphia

Scott Laughton broke into the NHL as an 18-year-old and was nurtured by the Flyers organization, developing into a consummate professional during his tenure. Laughton played 661 games for the Flyers before being acquired by the Maple Leafs, and he was honoured with a tribute during a stoppage in play during the first period, receiving a standing ovation.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube clearly wanted to honour Laughton, and started the fourth line. Laughton responded with an excellent game. Although he made a minimal impact at 5-on-5, Laughton was a tremendous force on the penalty kill, single-handedly shutting down the Flyers’ attack. Laughton also drew a penalty on Flyers defenceman Emil Andrae, after establishing the cycle in the second period.
Laughton was richly rewarded in the third period, transporting the puck up the ice on a counterattack. He didn’t consider Steven Lorentz cutting to the net, and opted for his own shot, wiring the puck past Dan Vladar to tie the game at 1-1. Laughton wheeled away in celebration, and it was evident how much this game meant to him.
Laughton also put on a clinic in the faceoff circle, winning 19-of-20 draws. He retained possession constantly, he scored a crucial goal, and of course, he was awarded the team belt post-game. Toronto’s penalty kill is the 3rd-ranked unit in the NHL and Laughton is a central reason behind the success.

Easton Cowan owns the Flyers, gets last laugh over Denver Barkey

Easton Cowan was squaring off against his good friend and former London Knights teammate, Denver Barkey, on Thursday. Cowan and Barkey won the Memorial Cup together last season with the London Knights. Barkey is playing in a top-six role for the Flyers, and made some strong offensive impacts, including an first period breakaway, where Dennis Hildeby registered a huge save. Cowan got the last laugh, registering the overtime winner.
Cowan was engaged from the outset, and almost set up Nicolas Roy for a goal in the first period, tossing a shot-pass towards the net, where Roy forced Vladar into a clever save. And during the overtime period, Cowan was completely locked in. Prior to his goal, Cowan was stopped on a breakaway attempt, but redeemed himself moments later.
Cowan has formed real chemistry with Nicolas Roy and Nick Robertson on the third line. It’s an impactful trio for the Maple Leafs, and they won their minutes handily Thursday, outshooting the Flyers 4-1 at 5-on-5 with a 79 percent share of the expected goals via Natural Stat Trick. Cowan’s stellar rookie season marches onward through January, where he ought to remain a staple in the lineup.

Dennis Hildeby was terrific once again for Leafs and should earn more starts

Dennis Hildeby was terrific for the Leafs, making 22 saves during the contest. It was a relatively low-event game, but Hildeby was forced into another several quality stops throughout the contest, saving 2.52 goals above expected in all situations via Natural Stat Trick. With the game on the line, Hildeby made an incredible save on Matvei Michkov, robbing the Flyers’ winger on a 2-on-1 with Sean Couturier, then Morgan Rielly tied up Couturier, before John Tavares and Cowan raced away for the winning goal.
Hildeby bailed out Auston Matthews in overtime. Matthews dropped the puck back to no one in particular and Zegras raced in for a breakaway, but Hildeby remained cool and composed for his best save of the contest.
Philadelphia tried to jam chances at the net-front and Hildeby was unfazed when chaos ensued. Hildeby robbed Denver Barkey on a first-period breakaway, and made another excellent save on Christian Dvorak in the first frame.
With Anthony Stolarz out indefinitely, and Joseph Woll operating with a heavy workload, Hildeby ought to gain more starts throughout January, leading into the Olympic break. Expect Hildeby to get a few more games throughout the month, especially when the Maple Leafs embark upon a four-game road trip next week.

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