BUFFALO, N.Y. — So much for the theory that the Philadelphia Flyers can be distracted by controversy.
Seemingly thriving on one dispute after another, the Flyers are one win away from a four-game playoff sweep of the Buffalo Sabres following Sunday's 2-0 victory.
Sunday night, then, was a thing to behold. John LeClair's first-period power-play goal stood up as the game-winner. Rookie goalie Brian Boucher stopped 17 shots to record his first playoff shutout, and Mark Recchi sealed the efficient victory, scoring into an empty net.
The Flyers are in control going into Game 4, Tuesd ay at Buffalo. One more win and Philadelphia will advance to the second round for the first time since reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 1997.
The Sabres face elimination, one year after they reached the finals.
DEVILS 2, PANTHERS 1: Scott Niedermayer returned from a 10-game suspension and tied the game, and Scott Stevens got the game-winner as New Jersey beat Florida at home.
Rookie John Madden set up both odd-man rush goals and Martin Brodeur stopped 22 shots as the Devils took a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference series.
Mike Sillinger scored for Florida, which will play host for the next two games, on Tuesday and Thursday.
OILERS 5, STARS 2: Doug Weight had his first career playoff hat trick, leading Edmonton to an emotional playoff victory over Dallas.
Weight had his first career playoff hat trick as the Oilers earned an emotional 5-2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars on Sunday night.
"He played totally unbelievable," Edmonton forward Georges Laraque said. "Every time he was on the ice he was creating something and was a threat. It's not just the goals."
The Oilers trail the Stars 2-1 in the best-of-7 Western Conference series. Game 4 is Tuesday night in Edmonton.