The Philadelphia Flyers earned a massive two points on Monday in their 3-2 shootout victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs, keeping their postseason hopes alive.

Coming out of the Olympic break, the Flyers needed to get red hot to have a chance at erasing the gap in points between them and the playoffs. A tough loss to the Washington Capitals to start play, followed by a squeaked-out win against the Rangers, things looked bleak.

Philadelphia followed up the win in New York with a big 3-1 win vs. the Boston Bruins, and now a 3-2 shootout win vs. the Maple Leafs. They needed to get red hot, and that is now three straight games picking up two points.

Now, the Flyers (67) sit just four points out of the final wild card spot in the East.

Philly entered Monday’s game without its leading scorer, Travis Konecny. It also lost a reliable defenseman in Nick Seeler, who exited the game in the second period. Still, the Flyers battled it out with another desperate hockey team and came away with two points.

It was not a perfect win by any means, but it was a big one for the Flyers.

Just four days ago, this team looked done. Monday’s win should serve as a reminder, even to myself, that they are not done yet.

Read More: Flyers Outlast Maple Leafs in 3-2 Shootout Win on Monday

Observations from Flyers’ 3-2 win vs. Maple Leafs

Dan Vladar was excellent on Monday. Shocking, right? The Flyers’ netminder has been such a rock in goal for this team, and he turned in yet another game-changing performance. Vladar stopped 29 of 31 shots, including a handful of big stops on Auston Matthews in overtime and in the shootout as well. He has allowed just five goals in three starts since the break. Once again, Dan Vladar was spectacular.

Another player who has stepped up in a big way since the break: Noah Cates. Cates led the way for the Flyers on Monday with his two-point night – the primary assist on Christian Dvorak’s goal, and his third-period tally. He has five points in four games since the break, including two goals. Cates was the official first star of the game, and it was a well-earned honor. Not only was he impactful offensively, but he played a big role in the defensive zone as well.

Part of Cates’ success on Monday needs to be credited to Bobby Brink. Brink has a knack for coming away with the puck, and it was on full display on Monday. His play along the boards to win the battle and set up Cates for the goal was simply ridiculous, but those are the kind of plays Brink makes routinely.

Rasmus Ristoalinen has ANOTHER great game on Monday. He did it in front of an audience as well. There were 12 reported organizations in Toronto for Monday’s game, with Ristolainen among the best available defensemen ahead of the deadline.

Scouts & mgmt listed for Flyers/Leafs today: BOS, BUF (4), CHI, COL, CBJ, DAL, DET, EDM, LA, STL, TB, VAN

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 3, 2026

Ristolainen was everywhere, and even flashed some offense with a beautiful wraparound attempt early in the game. The Finnish defenseman has been on an insane stretch since the Olympics.

The Flyers’ shootout goals were disgusting. Matvei Michkov’s quick move to the backhand and off the pad of Stolarz and in was nasty. Trevor Zegras letting it rip from the slot in the shootout was a crazy move. He made it look effortless.

Also, congratulations to Nicolas Deslauriers, who dressed in his 700th career NHL game during Monday’s win.

The Flyers will now head back to Xfinity Mobile Arena when they host the Utah Mammoth on Thursday in another massive game, one more time before the trade deadline.

Read More: Flyers Trade Rumors: A Surprise Eastern Conference Team Could be in the Mix for Ristolainen