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5 takeaways from Leafs-Flyers: Nylander scores 40th goal, Tavares line dominates on true talent
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Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Arun Srinivasan
Mar 26, 2025, 06:00 EDTUpdated: Mar 25, 2025, 23:04 EDT
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True talent level often rises to the top in modern professional sports, and the Toronto Maple Leafs ran all over the Philadelphia Flyers in a 7-2 victory Tuesday evening. It marked the second time this season the Maple Leafs scored seven or more goals this season.
William Nylander scored his 40th goal of the season, reaching the feat for a third consecutive season, John Tavares also scored twice, while Bobby McMann, David Kampf and Max Domi added singles for the Maple Leafs. Kampf was the recipient of the Maple Leafs’ belt, awarded to the best or most impactful player in a winning effort.
After a first period, where the Maple Leafs controlled the run of play following an even 10 minutes, they pulled away from their competition, taking full advantage of the time and space afforded by the Flyers.
Anthony Stolarz made 17 saves in the winning effort. Ryan Poehling and Sean Couturier scored for the Flyers.
Here are five takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Flyers:
  • William Nylander scored twice, reaching the 40-goal milestone for the third consecutive season. Nylander diced up the Flyers’ defence with some cutting lateral passes, he was looking for his own shot when called upon and banked a pass in off Nick Seeler for his first goal of the contest. He pushed himself into high-danger scoring lanes, and he can make the game look so easy when at his best. It was a terrific performance for Nylander against an opponent who made it look even easier. Nylander is in rare company with Darryl Sittler and Auston Matthews for the most 40-goal seasons in franchise history and when it’s all said and done, he’s going to be remembered as one of the all-time great Leafs. After the game, Nylander was typically nonchalant, reserving his praise for his teammates. “Just trying to do what I’m paid to do,” Nylander said, when asked about reaching the 40-goal marker.
  • John Tavares also scored twice, passing Frank Mahovlich on the NHL’s all-time scoring list. It wasn’t a great start for Tavares, as he overskated with the puck, creating a needless turnover in his own end that directly led to Ryan Poehling’s opening goal. The 34-year-old more than made up for it throughout the game, depositing a great feed from Nylander to tie the game at 1-1 before the first frame ended. Tavares, in conjunction with Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner, simply outworked for the Flyers for his second goal, which provided the Leafs with an insurmountable 4-1 lead. To cap it off, Tavares crossed over Noah Cates in the third period, bursting through the neutral zone as he continues to defy his critics who believe that he’s lost a step. There’s an outside chance that Tavares could reach the 40-goal mark for the second time as a member of the Maple Leafs, with 11 games remaining. “Johnny is on another planet right now,” Max Domi said post-game. “Everything he touches, it goes in, it’s great to see. He’s one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever played with. It’s great to see him get rewarded. Obviously, Bobby is working real hard too, it’s not easy to score in this league, let alone 20 goals. To see Willy get 40 tonight, it’s great to see.”
  • Bobby McMann scored his 20th goal of the season, which is all the more remarkable when you consider that he was rendered a healthy scratch for the season opener. McMann’s straight line speed, opportunism and scoring touch makes him an ideal candidate to play on the second line with Tavares and Nylander, and with 11 games remaining in the regular season, this almost certainly looks like the Maple Leafs have their top-six figured out. McMann-Tavares-Nylander outshot the Flyers 7-2 at 5-on-5 and dominated virtually every shift they played together. There will be tougher matchups in the future, but it doesn’t appear that Craig Berube has a better solution, and he has to keep this line intact for the upcoming California road trip. “I think we all bring a different dynamic. John’s so cerebral. He’s able to see plays all over the ice. Willy’s just so good at generating with his speed, with how quick his feet is and how quick his hands are. Just trying to be competitive, get pucks back and open up some of those things,” McMann said post-game.
  • All eyes were on Scott Laughton facing his former team and while it wasn’t a standout performance, he did appear to be more comfortable on the left wing, playing alongside Domi and Nick Robertson. Laughton-Domi-Robertson outshot the Flyers 7-1 at 5-on-5, and while there were a handful of mistakes, it may represent Laughton’s best effort as a member of the Leafs. “He played unbelievable,” Domi said of his linemate post-game. “He was outstanding. If I could find a way to connect on those two passes, he’s gonna bury those. Those two are on me. I’m definitely looking for him, he’s always in the right spots.”
  • Morgan Rielly has been under fire throughout the season and while he was on the ice for both Flyers goals, he was also on the ice for four Leafs goals and looked composed throughout the contest. It’s hard to find fault in Rielly’s game, where the Maple Leafs controlled the shots 12-3 at 5-on-5, and both goals weren’t his fault. Tavares committed an unforced error at the boards, while Sean Couturier expertly tipped home a rocket from Jamie Drysdale. In just under 15 minutes, Rielly and Brandon Carlo controlled 68.3 percent of the expected goals at 5-on-5 via MoneyPuck. It’s certainly a game where the pairing can build off their stellar play and develop a true partnership heading into the playoffs.

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