Oh, they aren't pacifists. They still play with an edge, still are the NHL's most penalized team.

But since Peter Laviolette became their coach in early December, the Flyers are playing with more smarts and more discipline.

Never was that more evident than in the last two games, when their self-control contributed to victories over Toronto and the New York Islanders.

In Sunday's 3-1 win over Toronto, feisty winger Dan Carcillo didn't retaliate when cross-checked and roughed by Colton Orr, who was assessed two penalties. The Flyers didn't score in the ensuing four-minute power play, but it helped wear down the Maple Leafs' penalty killers. A short time later, the Flyers scored a power-play goal.

In Tuesday's 3-2 comeback win over the Islanders, the Flyers committed just one penalty - a two-minute infraction against Lukas Krajicek for tripping - and they scored two power-play goals in the third period to erase a 2-1 deficit.

"Their discipline has been excellent, as far as [not] retaliating after the whistle," Laviolette said after yesterday's practice in Voorhees.

Laviolette added that even when his players are absorbing illegal hits, they are not slashing back, thus causing more power-play opportunities.

"I think we're drawing penalties, too, because of our style," he said. "When you're skating and moving, that means the other team is either defending properly or they're hooking and holding. You can get those calls if your team is in motion."

In 25 games under John Stevens, the Flyers averaged 17.7 penalty minutes per game.

In 40 games under Laviolette, they are averaging 16.2 minutes per game.

Under Laviolette, the Flyers have had more power plays than their opponents in 17 games, which, coincidentally, is the same number in which they have had fewer power plays. They have had the same amount of power plays six times.

Under Stevens, the ratio was 8-to-11 (more power plays vs. fewer power plays), with six games having an equal amount of power plays.

Perhaps more telling is that the more the Flyers play under Laviolette and digest his system, the more discipline they have shown. In their last 13 games, they have had more power plays than their opponents by an 8-4-1 ratio.

"My job is accountability, but ultimately the players deserve the credit because they're the ones" who are showing restraint, Laviolette said. "They get punched in the head, it's easy for them to turn around and punch back and take a penalty. They're the ones that deserve the credit. They're the ones that have to control their emotions on the ice."

Not that Laviolette wants to see his players shy away from physical play - or fighting.

"You have to put everything into perspective," he said. "There's always a time and place. Down, 2-1, or a 2-2 game is not a time or a place. Points are too valuable. To feel good about a hit and not make the playoffs doesn't make much sense to me."

Lights-out Leighton

Goalie Michael Leighton will make his 12th straight start tonight against the visiting Boston Bruins, whose sputtering offense is even weaker because center Marc Savard is sidelined with a concussion. The Bruins are seeded eighth in the East and are four points behind the Flyers.

The last time the teams met, Boston scored a 2-1 overtime win at Fenway Park in the Jan. 1 Winter Classic.

Laviolette reiterated that goalie coach Jeff Reese has played a major role in the development of Leighton, who is 15-3-2 with a 2.28 goals-against average and .924 save percentage since being claimed off reentry waivers from Carolina.

Those numbers would be among the league leaders, but Leighton's performance with Carolina weighs down his overall stats.

Leighton, 28, is a late-bloomer in the mold of Boston goalie Tim Thomas, who didn't become a full-time starter until he was 32.

Stitched trio

James van Riemsdyk (25 stitches below his chin), Carcillo (20 stitches below his left knee) and Krajicek (eight stitches above his right eyelid), each of whom was injured against the Islanders on Tuesday but returned to the ice, practiced yesterday and are ready to play tonight.

Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.