Matthews' goal was his 55th, making him the first Maple Leafs player to score at least 55 goals multiple times in his career. He scored 60 in 2021-22.
His goal made it 4-1 at 4:45 of the third period. He tipped the puck away from Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway behind Toronto's net, and in transition he beat Noah Cates up the ice, got the puck back from Pontus Holmberg and scored off the rush.
It was his 40th even-strength goal. He is the only active player with multiple seasons with at least 40 even-strength goals (44 in 2021-22).
"Just trying to jump in that space, try to beat my guy up the ice, and 'Bergy' made a really great play," Matthews said. "Just patient with the puck and found me coming through the middle and I was able to just walk in all alone."
The defensive play before the goal is what stood out to Matthews' teammates.
"That goes to his defensive abilities," forward Tyler Bertuzzi said. "When you play a 200-foot game, that's when you get rewarded with those things, those offensive looks. His goal tonight, he was good in the defensive zone, and he busted all the way up the ice to get open for a half breakaway and scored. Defensive first and then his offense will always be there."