Injuries are taking a toll across the NHL as several key players are sidelined. Anaheim Ducks' Brock McGinn recently underwent ACL surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Isac Lundestrom's status remains day-to-day due to a lower-body injury while Trevor Zegras has returned from a meniscus tear. The Boston Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR, while the Dallas Stars welcomed Roope Hintz back to their lineup, but Mason Marchment remains out. In Nashville, Cole Smith has been activated from IR. The New York Islanders are dealing with Noah Dobson's absence due to a lower-body injury, with no return date set.

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators was seen at practice but didn’t skate, and Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers is recovering from a head injury. Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty have also missed time due to injuries, with the team hopeful about John Tavares’ potential return to skating soon. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress after a knee procedure, and Vancouver Canucks are monitoring several players, including Noah Juulsen and Kevin Lankinen, who missed a game due to illness.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are experiencing a season filled with unexpected performances as Connor Dewar and Matthew Knies shine on the ice. Dewar, a fourth-line forward, has surprised many by engaging in fights, including a recent one against Philadelphia’s Joel Farabee, while Knies, at just 22, has outscored both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, tallying more goals than either star player.

As the Maple Leafs prepare to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes, they hold a five-game winning streak and a six-point lead over the Florida Panthers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Matthews has struggled with injuries, which partially explains his lower goal count this season. Meanwhile, Knies has made a strong impact with his physical style of play, demonstrating maturity beyond his years, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike.

The Philadelphia Flyers faced a disappointing return to the Wells Fargo Center, losing 3-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs after a challenging six-game road trip. The decisive moment came late in the third period when Matthew Knies scored, breaking a 2-2 tie and sealing the Flyers' fate. Despite a late-game push, including a hooking penalty drawn by Matevi Michkov, the Flyers could not capitalize, with Travis Konecny's potential tying goal thwarted by goalie Joseph Woll.

The match began with an intense first period highlighted by a fight between Joel Farabee and Connor Dewar, setting the tone for a physical game. Konecny opened the scoring for the Flyers, converting a pass from Sean Couturier. However, the Maple Leafs, led by John Tavares and Auston Matthews, quickly responded, each scoring to level the playing field.

Auston Matthews led the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, showcasing his resilience as he scored a goal and assisted John Tavares. Matthews, who has recently returned from injury, expressed confidence in his game and highlighted the chemistry developing with his teammates. The win marked the Maple Leafs' fifth consecutive victory, inching them closer to the Vegas Golden Knights in the standings.

Matthew Knies netted the winning goal, while goaltender Joseph Woll made 30 saves, further solidifying his hot streak. Matthews celebrated his 200th career two-point night, signaling a return to form reminiscent of his previous scoring prowess. Despite a sluggish start, the team rallied to secure a crucial road win.

Auston Matthews and John Tavares powered the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, marking their fifth consecutive win. Matthews and Tavares each contributed with a goal and an assist, while Matthew Knies netted the decisive goal with just under seven minutes left in the game. Goaltender Joseph Woll was instrumental, making 30 saves to secure the win.

On the Flyers' side, Travis Konecny scored both goals for the team, but it was not enough to stave off the defeat. The loss dropped Philadelphia's home record to 8-10-1, a disappointing statistic for a team that has historically been strong on home ice.