Reilly OT hero, Hildeby’s 31 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 3-2 in OT against Philadelphia Flyers

The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled out an exciting 3-2 win in overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday night. With the win, the Leafs extended their current winning streak to four games, giving them a four-point lead over the idle Florida Panthers atop the Atlantic Division.

Morgan Rielly got the game-winner at 2:25 of the overtime frame, with Matthew Knies getting his fourth goal in two nights, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson adding the others for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tyson Foerster and Scott Laughton tallied the goals for the Philadelphia Flyers.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime on Sunday night.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won over Philadelphia Flyers in OT

#3 The Leafs outmuscled the Flyers

The Leafs pounded the Flyers in what was largely a physical affair. The Leafs outhit the Flyers 43-31, setting off some fireworks at various points in the game.

For instance, Max Domi’s elbowing call against Garnet Hathaway set off a scrum that led to a couple of punches thrown. Similarly, Max Pacioretty’s hit on Nic Seeler prompted some fisticuffs as the Flyers took exception to the hit.

However, the Toronto Maple Leafs threw their collective weight around, dominating the game in that department despite playing on back-to-back nights.

#2 Dennis Hildeby was solid

Dennis Hildeby got his first start for the Toronto Maple Leafs since December 15 against the Buffalo Sabres. Hildeby was solid, making 27 saves for the win, and getting the call in place of the injured Anthony Stolarz.

For Hildeby, it’s been a bit of an up-and-down year. However, he’s only had one bad start, a 6-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 22. Besides that game, Hildeby has provided solid goaltending from the third-string position.

#1 Morgan Rielly’s OT heroics

Top Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly had gone 26 games without a goal. But he picked a great time to get one, netting the game-winner in overtime on Sunday night.

The play started with captain Auston Matthews making a smart, patient play in the Flyers’ zone. Matthews waited for Rielly to join the rush, then dished a great feed to Rielly who buried the puck under Ivan Fedotov’s glove for the winner.

The goal is certainly a confidence booster as Rielly has been struggling of late. The game-winner will certainly go a long way for the longest-tenured Leaf.

The Leafs will get a breather on Monday before facing the Philadelphia Flyers again on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center, in the second leg of a home-and-home series.