Around The Nhl

Sabres star Pat LaFontaine, sidelined since Nov. 7 with aftereffects of a concussion, still doesn’t know if his hockey career will resume any time soon.

“Obviously,” LaFontaine said, “my first priority is my wife (Marybeth) and three children. She’s been great, too. At the beginning, she was very scared. But she’s seen the progress lately. She’s told me her feelings: If she had her choice she’d rather me not play - but she’s also told me it’s my decision and whatever I decided she will respect.”

In the meantime, LaFontaine has rejoined his Buffalo teammates on a day-to-day basis, and has gone through some light skating.

On the ice

Eric Lindros scored four goals and added two assists Wednesday night to power the Philadelphia Flyers to a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Toronto.

Leafs newcomer Jason Podollan, obtained Tuesday from Florida at the trading deadline for Kirk Muller, was held without a shot.

Joe Nieuwendyk scored twice and Mike Modano matched his career high with four assists as Dallas remained unbeaten at home in its last eight games with a 7-2 win over the Coyotes.

At Landover, Md., Washington extended its home unbeaten streak to five games and Bill Ranford stopped 29 shots as the Capitals battled to a 2-2 overtime tie with New Jersey.

At New York, Vincent Damphousse set up one goal and scored another in the third period as Montreal strengthened its playoff hopes with a 5-4 win over New York.