What better way to start off this blog than by recognizing the five-year anniversary of a truly notable achievement in Leafs history. On December 15, 2001, Tie Domi passed Tiger Williams as the all-time Leafs penalty minute leader. As if that’s not enough to celebrate, the milestone came in a 6-4 win over the dreaded Club de Hockey Canadien–otherwise known as Montreal.
Most people know Tie could play as well as fight. But few people realize how significant of a dual threat he was. Along with his 3,515 career penalty minutes in the NHL (third all-time), Domi hit the double-digit mark in goals three times (including a career-best 15 in 2002-03), and nearly had 30 points in two different seasons!
A check of the numbers reveals that few wingers in post-Original Six history have displayed such versatility. Clark Gillies never had 100 penalty minutes in a season–Domi did that an amazing 15 times! Cam Neely could score and fight, but his 13 years in the league are five short of what the durable Domi accomplished. Keith Tkachuk put up some impressive stats in his Jets/Coyotes days, but he’s tailed off in the last few years; Domi was a consistent threat to pot 10 goals and spend 100 minutes in the sin bin right up until he hung up his skates.
Congrats on a well-done career, Tie Domi. I fully expect to see your 28 take its rightful place next to Darryl Sittler and Frank Mahovlich’s 27 in the Leafs’ collection of honoured numbers.
Posted by j. bluebud 
Strength Through Adversity, Leafs-Style
December 15, 2006It’s no secret that nothing builds character and strength in professional sports like adversity. In climbing from the depths of their recent seven-game losing streak, the Leafs showed definite signs of prospering.
Not only did they end the streak with a stirring, 5-4 come-from-behind win against the Tampa Bay Lighting (a team just two seasons removed from winning the Cup), but they did it by correcting a notable shortcoming. Heading into Tuesday’s showdown with the Bolts, the Leafs were struggling a bit late in games. In their five previous games, the Leafs were out-scored 17-1 in third periods. According to Elias, it is the first time an NHL team was out-scored by at least 16 goals in the third period over a five-game span.
But rather than hang their heads, our Buds did what many long-time fans have come to expect: they bounced back strong. Not only did they out-score Tampa Bay in the third period Tuesday, but they doubled their production from the previous five games, out-scoring the Lightning 2-1.
Don’t be surprised if, following a long playoff run this spring, Coach Paul Maurice and the players point to this impressive showing of courage as the point at which Toronto’s 2006-07 season took off.