Make no mistake: The Flyers were under immense stress entering Game 3 of their first-round playoff series in Buffalo. And it showed in many ways at the morning skate.

But then a fountain of calm came flowing from a familar source: Brian Boucher.

It wasn't so much that Boucher made 35 saves, many impressive --- but how he made them that mattered. He stood tall. He played with confidence. He limited rebounds. He even found a convenient moment at which to claim his mask needed adjustment, buying a breather for his defensemen.

The Flyers won, 4-2, and have regained the home-ice edge in the series. But it will be interesting to chart their moods at practice Wednesday. Best guess: A more lively atmosphere.

That's what happens when some pressure is released.

Don't forget to check out my column Tuesday in the Daily Times and on delcotimes.com