1. Flyers strike first, but Leafs tie it as both teams trade power play goals in opening frame. Both the Leafs and Flyers were desperate for a win to stay in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race as they squared off Thursday, but it was Philadelphia that took the first lead of the night when they capitalized on the power play at 6:09 of the first period on winger Wayne Simmonds' 28th goal of the season. Simmonds deflected in a shot from blueliner Shayne Gostisbehere on the play, but the lead only lasted another 7:48, as Toronto tied it on a power play marker from winger William Nylander.
Nylander notched his 18th goal of the year on the play, thanks to a wicked wrist shot from the left hand side that beat Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth at a very difficult angle. The 20-year-old's ability to make incredible shots is now well-established at the NHL level, and Nylander's value with the man advantage - where he's scored half of his goals this year - is undeniable. The goal tied him with former Leafs Dan Daoust, the late Walt Poddubny and Alex Steen for the Leafs' franchise record for power play goals by a rookie.
Five Takeaways - Leafs vs. Flyers - 03/09/17
Here are five takeaways from the Maple Leafs' 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday at Air Canada Centre: