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NEW JERSEY VS. TORONTO
BUFFALO VS. PITTSBURGH
COLORADO VS. LOS ANGELES
DALLAS VS. ST. LOUIS
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Saturday, May 5
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Domi: 'It was a stupid reaction'
Associated Press
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. An apologetic Tie Domi said he made
a bad mistake in elbowing Scott Niedermayer of the New Jersey
Devils, but he contends the hit did not merit banishment from the
playoffs.
"It was a stupid reaction I still can't believe it
happened," the Toronto Maple Leafs right wing said at an emotional
news conference Saturday, a day after the league handed him its
longest playoff suspension.
| | A tearful Tie Domi said he made a bad mistake in elbowing Scott Niedermayer, but feels the hit did not merit banishment from the playoffs. |
"I felt really bad about it and I felt it took away from
something really special that was going on."
Domi, who returned to Toronto after a teary-eyed news conference Saturday, said he called
Niedermayer to apologize for the hit that caused a concussion in
the waning seconds of Game 4. He said he also apologized to his
coaches and teammates for letting them down.
Niedermayer missed Game 5 of the best-of-seven Eastern
Conference semifinal on Saturday night, but the Devils hope he will
be able to play in Game 6 in Toronto on Monday. Toronto won 3-2 on
Saturday night to take a 3-2 series lead.
"I sincerely hope Scott will be well soon enough to play hockey
again," Domi said in statement.
Domi said he may appeal the decision, but for now he's focusing
on his team and the playoffs.
The hardest thing Domi had to do was explain the incident to his
young son, Max.
"He asked me what suspension means," Domi said. "I told him
that I really made a big mistake and Daddy's not playing hockey
anymore."
Domi then got all choked up again. He said, "Thank you," and
left.
Domi explained his actions in a meeting with NHL executive vice
president Colin Campbell on Friday, hoping to avoid a major
suspension.
"Obviously, it wasn't good enough," Domi said. "They made a
decision and I have to live with it. I can't say I agree with it,
but I have to respect it. What happened, happened. I can't erase
it. I'm sorry it happened."
If the Maple Leafs do not advance to the conference final,
Domi's suspension will carry over to the first eight games of next
season.
In handing down the suspension, Campbell said that Domi's
actions have no place in the NHL, and he forfeited his privilege to
participate in the playoffs because of it.
Domi, one of hockey's notorious tough guys, insisted his hit was
out of character and he apologized to hockey fans for failing to be
a role model.
"Hockey players must set an example in the community and be a
role model. I slipped in that department and I am sorry for that,
he said. "I sincerely hope that those people who have always
supported me don't lose faith in me."
The league said the previous high for a playoff suspension was
five games to Dallas defenseman Derian Hatcher in 1999 when he left his feet and hit Jeremy Roenick with his arm and shoulder.
Maurice Richard missed all of the playoffs in 1955 for breaking
his stick on the back of Boston's Hal Laycoe, but his suspension
began with three games remaining in the regular season.
If Domi does serve the eight games next season, he would forfeit
$164,000 from his $1.68 million salary. If the Leafs advance to the
next round, Domi will not lose any money because his salary would
have been paid by the time the postseason begins. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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ALSO SEE
NHL hits back: Leafs' Domi out for rest of playoffs
Niedermayer says Domi made threat earlier in series
Leafs' victory over Devils marred by Domi's hit
NHL's longest suspensions
AUDIO/VIDEO
Toronto Maple Leafs news conference RealVideo: 56.6
Players react to Tie Domi's hit on Scott Niedermayer. avi: 2903 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN Cable Modem
Scott Niedermayer is taken from the ice on a stretcher, compliments of a Tie Domi elbow. avi: 2669 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN Cable Modem
NHL Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell says the league's top concern is protecting the players. wav: 156 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Tie Domi says he may have thrown away his dream. wav: 386 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Toronto teammates Gary Roberts and Mats Sundin react to Tie Domi's hit on Scott Niedermayer. wav: 218 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
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