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Archive for Friday, March 30, 2001

Leafs’ Domi battles spectator

Altercation in penalty box mars Toronto’s victory in Philadelphia

March 30, 2001

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— Tie Domi's latest trip to the penalty box might keep him off the ice even longer.

Domi, Toronto's penalty-minutes leader, wrestled with a spectator who tumbled into the penalty box during the Maple Leafs' 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.

"Hey that's old-time hockey, it was perfect," Domi said, laughing. "Hey, he comes into my territory, that's what happens."

The rugged forward had just been penalized early in the third period. He was being taunted by fans, and twice sprayed water on a few who were sitting in the front row before Chris Falcone, a 36-year-old concrete worker from Havertown, Pa., lunged toward Domi. He landed on the glass partition separating fans from the box. The glass gave way, and Falcone and Domi scuffled before linesman Kevin Collins stepped in.

Domi's actions were reviewed by arena security and the NHL is expected to conduct its own review, which could lead to a fine and suspension.

"They threw stuff at me. Once was enough," Domi said. "After the second one, I told the guy in the penalty box that after one more I was going to squirt water. So I squirted water. I mean, I didn't plan on fighting anybody."

Falcone, who was treated by medical personnel at the arena and did not go to a hospital, was given a police citation that requires a court appearance.

Domi was not penalized further and played later in the period.

Jonas Hoglund scored the game-winning goal less than a minute later as the Maple Leafs defeated the Flyers for the second time in five days. On Saturday, Toronto won 5-2.

Earlier in the game, Domi was knocked to the ice by a high stick from Philadelphia goalie Roman Cechmanek much to the delight of cheering Flyers fans who uttered derisive chants when he returned to the ice late in the third.

"It's kind of comical, as long as it's a freak thing and nobody gets hurt," said Dan McGillis, who scored Philadelphia's only goal at 8:12 of the first. "He's the kind of guy who likes to get the crowd going and get the other team going."

Canadiens 6, Lightning 2

Tampa, Fla. Martin Rucinsky scored on a penalty shot and Patrice Brisebois had the winning goal for the second time in three games as Montreal beat Tampa Bay. The Canadiens are 3-0-1-1 in their last five road games, while the Lightning have lost four straight at home. Oleg Petrov added two goals in the third period, and Chad Kilger and Martin Rucinsky also scored for Montreal.

Rangers 6, Islanders 4

Uniondale, N.Y. Radek Dvorak scored a career-high four goals as the New York Rangers completed a home-and-home sweep of the New York Islanders.

Penguins 5, Blackhawks 2

Pittsburgh Jaromir Jagr had his fourth multiple-goal game in March and Mario Lemieux also had two goals as Pittsburgh beat Chicago. Pittsburgh won its third in a row, all with rookie Johan Hedberg in goal, to move within one point of Buffalo in the East race.

Predators 4, Coyotes 3, OT

Nashville, Tenn. David Legwand scored his second goal of the game 36 seconds into overtime as Nashville beat Phoenix.

Avalanche 1, Flames 0

Calgary, Alberta Rookie David Aebischer made 29 saves for his third shutout and Chris Drury scored with 4:39 left as Colorado beat Calgary. The Avalanche won their 50th game of the season to set break the franchise record of 49 set in 1996-97.

Kings 3, Blue Jackets 0

Los Angeles Ziggy Palffy scored twice in the first period, and Felix Potvin made 27 saves in his 19th career shutout as Los Angeles beat Columbus. Bryan Smolinski added a breakaway goal for the Kings.

Sharks 7, Mighty Ducks 4

San Jose, Calif. Teemu Selanne's and Paul Kariya scored three goals apiece as San Jose defeated Anaheim.

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