Sometimes the most beautiful plays come from the places you least expect.

That’s exactly what happened Thursday night, as Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Philippe Myers walked the puck from the blue line through the Detroit Red Wings defence to score a beauty of a goal.

Speaking after the game, Myers remained humble about his impressive feat.

“I don’t even know what happened there. A little shake and bake, and that’s it,” Myers said. “It feels really good to see that one go in, help the confidence a little bit going into the playoffs.”

The effort proved to be crucial, bringing the Leafs within one, before Tanev tied it in the dying seconds and Laughton lifted the team to victory in OT. While it wasn’t the most important game of the year, the Leafs now finish the regular season on a five-game winning streak and can carry some momentum heading into the postseason.

Maybe more impressive than the goal was who scored it. Myers has become a strong defensive piece for the team, but it’s only his second goal of the season in 36 games played. Never known for his offensive play, the two goals mark the second-highest season total in his NHL career.

Speaking after the game, head coach Craig Berube offered high praise for Myers’ solo effort.

“It might be the goal of the year,” Berube said. “I’ll go back and look at it. I wasn’t sure who it was for a while. Hell of a goal, I mean, hell of a goal. Great for him. I’m happy for him. Nice to see him be able to get one and do what he did.”

Not only was Berube impressed, but the goal was a favourite in the locker room as well, as Myers’ teammates were quick to offer some kind words.

“It was unbelievable,” Scott Laughton said, who was net-front for the goal. “I told him I was open back door, but it was really nice to see him score. I had a front-row seat for it. It was awesome to see him get on the board. He’s been playing some good hockey for us. He’s stepped up in some key situations, and played some crucial minutes for us.”

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and fellow defenceman Chris Tanev added on some compliments of their own.

“Really nice, really nice,” Matthews said. “He kept saying once a year he’d pull something like that out, so he waited until game 82, but it was a really nice.”

“Amazing, highlight of the night for sure,” Tanev added.

Myers’ sneaky goal Thursday night seems to be just the thing needed to provide some last spark for the Leafs as they head towards the postseason. And with goals from Laughton and Tanev to add to it, Thursday night’s victory showcases exactly the kind of depth Toronto has built, and what can happen when those players step up in unexpected ways.