4 takeaways from Leafs-Flyers: Robertson makes most of opportunity, Matthews shows vintage velocity

Robertson generated a secondary assist on Auston Matthews’ first period goal, and kept plays alive in the offensive zone. Knies-Matthews-Robertson finished with a 71 percent share of the expected goals at 5-on-5, and while Berube looks for his ideal pairing on the top line, Robertson’s pure offensive skill may have earned him another look for Monday’s game against the Boston Bruins.

Easton Cowan scores 1st NHL goal

Easton Cowan has impressed throughout his first month with the Maple Leafs and recorded the first goal of his NHL career . Cowan received a feed from John Tavares and wired it into the top corner past Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar.

Tavares and the rest of the Maple Leafs were elated for Cowan, whose tenacity and hockey intelligence have been self-evident through 12 games. Cowan deserved to score earlier in the season, especially when he was placed with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, and it’s a well-deserved reward for his strong start.

Cowan earned a post-game interview on Hockey Night in Canada afterwards. It’s the sign that we’re witnessing the start of what could be a truly great Maple Leafs career.

Chris Tanev stretchered off the ice during return to lineup

Chris Tanev returned to the lineup after suffering a concussion on October 21. Tanev was playing well, but suffered another frightening looking injury during Saturday’s game, leaving on a stretcher after colliding with Flyers forward Matvei Michkov. Michkov crashed into Tanev’s back, sending the Maple Leafs’ defenceman crashing into the ice.

Tanev gave the crowd a thumbs-up before leaving the game. It was a scary sight for Tanev, and until we know more, all we can offer is a speedy recovery for the veteran defenceman.

Auston Matthews scores with the velocity everyone’s looking for

Everyone’s waiting for Auston Matthews to return to the form he showed during the 2023-24 season, and at least for one period, we received a glimpse of this. Matthews wired home a wrister to tie the game in the first period with the same velocity and location we’ve been accustomed to viewing throughout his career.

Matthews recorded a team-best five shots, while the Maple Leafs controlled 76 percent of the expected goals when he was on the ice at 5-on-5. Throughout the year, Matthews has been getting into high-danger areas with frequency but hasn’t been converting at the rate that’s been expected of him. For one night, Matthews delivered a vintage showing into Philadelphia.