The Flyers have won both games to start 2026, but Tuesday’s came at a bit of a cost. Two players lost to injury have forced the Flyers to shuffle things around in the lineup as a tough homestand gets more challenging.

The Flyers host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night, a team that just a few weeks ago was pushing the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. They have turned things around lately, entering the playoff conversation again, and look to replicate their last performance in Philadelphia from early November.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

Flyers-Maple Leafs Team Leaders 1-8-2026Flyers-Maple Leafs Team Leaders 1-8-2026Flyers-Maple Leafs Players to Watch 1-8-2026Flyers-Maple Leafs Players to Watch 1-8-2026

Travis Konecny has 20 points in 18 games since Nov. 29, including four in the last three games. After scoring eight goals in December, Konecny has been held off the board in the last two games.

Auston Matthews has heated up lately. Matthews has seven goals in the last five games and 11 points, bringing his season totals to 21 goals and 34 points.

Flyers-Maple Leafs Goalie Matchup 1-8-2026Flyers-Maple Leafs Goalie Matchup 1-8-2026

Dan Vladar gets the start for the Flyers. Vladar made 16 saves on 18 shots in Tuesday’s win against the Ducks. Vladar has won five of his last six starts. He allowed four goals on 19 shots in a loss to the Leafs on Nov. 1.

Dennis Hildeby gets the start for Toronto. Hildeby made 22 saves on 23 shots in a win over Winnipeg in his last start on New Year’s Day, snapping a personal five-game losing streak.

Projected LineupsFlyers Lines 1-8-2026Flyers Lines 1-8-2026Maple Leafs Lines 1-8-2026Maple Leafs Lines 1-8-2026Lineup NotesFlyers: Bobby Brink and Jamie Drysdale are out after suffering injuries on Tuesday. Rick Tocchet did not have an update on timeline as of Thursday morning. Matvei Michkov will return to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game. Noah Juulsen comes in for Drysdale.Maple Leafs: The Leafs are using the same lineup as last game.Flyers-Maple Leafs Game Notes 1-8-2026Flyers-Maple Leafs Game Notes 1-8-2026Flyers Where to WatchWhere to Watch NBC Sports PhiladelphiaVideo Preview

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.

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