Toronto Maple Leafs Ride Frederik Andersen to Much Needed Win Over Flyers

The Toronto Maple Leafs (30-22-14) held a third period lead and rode goaltender Frederik Andersen to a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers (31-27-8) on Thursday night.

VS.

	1	2	3	T
Maple Leafs	1	1	2	4
Flyers	1	0	1	2

Thoughts and Observations

I don’t know about you, but I must admit, when Shayne Gostisbehere ripped a slap shot past Frederik Andersen with 2:28 left in the third period I thought to myself, “here we go again.” Thankfully, the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t surrender one of their patented blown leads in the third period and they hung on to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-2.

Before we get into Leafs-centric thoughts, how about that howitzer by Gostisbehere?! What. A. Shot. I know Ghost has struggled for the majority of this season, but take another look at this rocket of a slap shot.

Alright, onto the Leafs. Since we’re on the topics of goals,

Tyler Bozak

, who was considered a game-time decision leading up to the game, scored a highlight reel goal in the second period. Bozak finished the night with a goal and an assist, and now has 25 points in 31 home games this season.

Defensively, Toronto has been mediocre this season, particularly in the third period, but the Buds did a great job defending a one-goal lead in the third period and they were rewarded for their efforts when

Mitch Marner

scored on the power play with 6:16 left in regulation, giving the Leafs a 3-1 lead. Gostisbehere made Leaf fans sweat a bit with his power play tally, but, overall, the Leafs played solid defence throughout the third period.

More from Tip of the Tower

Leo Komarov might not have found his way onto the score sheet, but the pesky Finn was great. He led the Leafs with six shots on goal and was on the ice for a whopping 32 shifts, which led all forwards on both teams.

Frederik Andersen was the true star of this game. The Great Dane carried the Leafs to victory, making 36 saves on 38 shots. Yes, he did get bailed out by the post on a few occasions, but he did also make phenomenal saves, like when he robbed Claude Giroux on the power play. Mike Babcock said the Leafs would need Freddy to be great down the stretch and he was exactly that on Thursday night.

The race between Auston Matthews, who looked pedestrian throughout this game, and Patrik Laine for the Calder Trophy tends to dominate any discussion involving rookies, but it’s time for Marner to be regularly included in that conversation. Magnificent Mitch scored his 16th goal of the season against the Flyers and he now has 53 points, which is only two back of Matthews and six back of Laine.

The Leafs’ special teams came up huge in this game. The penalty kill was excellent, while a pair of power play goals propelled Toronto’s offence.

Stat of the Night

Leafs have 75 goals from their Top 3 centres, Matthews, Kadri and Bozak. Only Pittsburgh, with Crosby, Malkin, Bonino have more.
— Steve Simmons (@simmonssteve) March 10, 2017

The stat of the night for this game comes courtesy of the Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons. Bozak and Nazem Kadri both scored in this contest, but what an impressive stat for the Leafs. The majority of Leaf fans are quick to point out the organization’s lack of centre depth, but perhaps we’re taking for granted how well the team’s top three centres are playing this year?

What’s Next

The Maple Leafs will travel to Raleigh, NC to take on the reeling Carolina Hurricanes (27-27-10) on Saturday night at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes will be entering the game on a high after they defeated the New York Rangers, 4-3, on Thursday night, but the team has only won three of their last 13 games.

Carolina does own a 19-10-2 record at home this season, but despite their solid play on home ice, this is a game the Leafs should win.

Next: Report: Leafs Expected to Sign Grundstrom to ELC

What did you think of the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

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