It was a moment Tyler Bozak will never forget. And it was a reminder during tough times that better things might lie ahead for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Bozak earned a spot on the highlight reels with his first NHL goal Thursday night and sparked the Maple Leafs to a 4-0 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.

The game was tight until Bozak brought the Air Canada Centre alive with a gorgeous move at 8:44 of the second period. He turned defenceman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen inside out before beating Michael Leighton high to the glove side.

"What a goal," said linemate Phil Kessel. "Highlight of the night. It's got to be.

"That was pretty special, especially to have that for your first goal. It was something else."

Vesa Toskala also played a big part in helping Toronto end a four-game losing streak by stopping all 38 shots he faced. It was easily his best performance during a season that has seen him relinquish the No. 1 goaltending duties to Jonas Gustavssson.

One thing that didn't really materialize was a so-called fight night. Even though there was a brief melee in the final two minutes, it was nothing like the scrap-filled game the teams played a week ago in Philadelphia.

Nikolai Kulemin, Luke Schenn and Lee Stempniak also scored for the Maple Leafs (16-23-9). Toskala earned his first shutout since October 2008 — a span of 70 games.

Bozak was all smiles after the game as he described his goal for reporters. Even though one of the trainers put aside the puck for him, he figured the best memento will be the story he'll get to tell down the road.

'Nice to get one'

"The guys were joking with me, saying I don't have to lie to my kids," said Bozak. "When I'm a grandparent, I don't have to lie about my first goal. It's nice to get a nice one."

The Leafs signed the 23-year-old Bozak as an undrafted college free agent last April and are hoping he develops into a top forward. He also chipped in an assist Thursday and has four points in three career games.

Toskala's nicest save came in the opening minute of the second period, when he stretched his arm across the goal-line to stop what looked like a sure goal from Simon Gagne. The game was still 0-0 at that point.

"It's nice to win," said Toskala. "I've been playing well for a long time. I just feel really good on the ice."

The red-hot Flyers lost for just the third time in 11 games and saw their record fall to 23-20-3.

Philadelphia hammered the Leafs a week ago at Wachovia Center, but saw a different squad this time out.

"They're a tough team to play against," said Leighton. "They're either good or they're bad and I think they were good tonight."

Following the game, Toronto set out for a five-game road trip that begins with a game in Washington on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.