Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at\u00a0Last Word on Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we will look at the Toronto Maple Leafs facing off against the Philadelphia Flyers.<\/p>\n
NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n
2025-26 Season Series: 1-0 Maple Leafs<\/p>\n
How to Watch:<\/a> NBC Sports Philadelphia, TSN4, TVAS, TVAS+, ESPN+, SN+<\/p>\n Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<\/p>\n Maple Leafs\u2019 Storylines<\/p>\n A few weeks ago, it felt like things were reaching a breaking point for the Leafs. With just one game remaining before the holiday break, Toronto had lost three straight games and six of the last eight.<\/p>\n They claimed a win over Pittsburgh to go into the break, then came back with six straight games with points, including four wins. A lot of this 5-0-2 stretch coincides with the current hot streak for Auston Matthews<\/a>. Matthews has seven goals and 11 points in his last five games.<\/p>\n 422!!@OREO<\/a> | #LeafsForever<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xxJOCMj4Sn<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n John Tavares<\/a> and Matthew Knies<\/a> have five points each in their last five games, certainly helping the cause with William Nylander<\/a> on IR<\/a>.<\/p>\n Flyers\u2019 Storylines<\/p>\n You won\u2019t find many more emotionally-charged victories like the one the Flyers got on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. A playoff atmosphere was on full display as Trevor Zegras<\/a> put on a show against his former team in a 5-2 victory.<\/p>\n SAME SPOT. SAME GOAL. SAME TREVOR ZEGRAS!!<\/p>\n He\u2019s on hatty watch! pic.twitter.com\/7LuqjzpdOM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NHL (@NHL) January 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The win came at a cost, though. The Flyers were already without Matvei Michkov<\/a> in Tuesday\u2019s game, and lost Bobby Brink<\/a> and Jamie Drysdale<\/a> in the physicality of the game. Michkov is an option for the Flyers for Thursday\u2019s game against Toronto, but it seems doubtful that either Brink or Drysdale is back.<\/p>\n Despite the injury news, the Flyers have started 2026 off with a bang, a pair of 5-2 wins over Edmonton and Anaheim to move to 22-12-7 at the halfway point of the season. Their depth will be tested, and there are some challenging games ahead, but the playoff chase is alive and well at the moment.<\/p>\n Predictions and Best Bets<\/p>\n Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Flyers 3 (OT)<\/p>\n Both teams come in with recent success, which should make this a close game. Toronto still possesses more star power, and that may be the difference. Matthews playing a bigger factor and riding a hot streak could be the difference here, so we\u2019ll give the edge to the Leafs in this one.<\/p>\n For best bets for the Leafs, expect Matthews to continue his points streak. His ability to take over a game has been on full display lately, and with the Flyers preparing to be short-handed, Matthews should be able to find time and space to be dangerous. His line is set at -235 to score at least one point, and -105 for an anytime goal scorer.<\/p>\n For the Flyers, take Travis Sanheim to record at least one point in this one. The Olympian for Team Canada<\/a> has goals in back-to-back games and continues to impress in his role with the Flyers.<\/p>\n Main Photo: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t