The Leafs had been getting outplayed and outshot by the Flyers, surrendering the first goal to
Kevin Hayes in the first four minutes of the second period. Simmonds' goal at the midway point in the period sparked the Leafs and led to a subsequent
Timothy Liljegren goal just over a minute later, though Carter Hart definitely wanted both of those back. It was Simmonds' first goal in 33 games.
Earlier in the contest, MacEwen and Simmonds wanted to fight, but the officials stepped in to prevent it at the end of the first period, as a scrap at that point made little sense. However, in the third period, as the Leafs were beginning to run away with the game, MacEwen and Simmonds came together inside of the Leafs' blueline to throw down.
In terms of Clifford, Simmonds and Spezza battling for a roster spot on the team's 4th line, I'd say that Simmonds just put an exclamation point on his bid.