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Ex-Leaf Tie Domi identifies Devils legend as ''the biggest phony'' he every played against, shares some stories to back it up

For those hockey fans who were lucky enough to grow up during the 80's, 90's and early 2000's, you got to witness a truly special time in the sport. You got to see the gradual transition from old school hockey to the new-wave skill-based game. While there are parts of the old game that I'm sure we all wish had stuck around, there were changes that simply needed to be made with safety in mind.

One of the most feared names during that stretch was none other than former Leafs enforcer, Tie Domi. Domi made a career out of dropping his gloves and dispensing justice whenever called upon, racking up over 3,500 penalty minutes in just over 1,000 NHL games. He's been around the block and he's seen it all. A couple of years back, though, Domi identified someone who he had gone after for years but who would never oblige him - something that has always bothered him. He revealed as much on "The Cam and Strick Podcast" in 2020.

"Scott Stevens was the biggest phony I ever played against. Honestly I chased that guy for years. He was such a phony, it was a joke. That guy used to target all the best players on my teams and I always tried to fight him and he would never fight. He never stuck up for anything that, you know, is what a hockey player stands for.

"We had a bench-clearing brawl with the (New Jersey) Devils one time and (Stevens) bear-hugged me so hard it was unbelievable. ... Him and I ended up on the bench, he was bear-hugging so hard I said, 'Let go, I'm going to beat the shit out of you,' and he wouldn't let go, he was holding on so tight".

-Domi on his distaste for Scott Stevens

Stevens made a career out of throwing massive open ice hits and catching guys with their heads down. Domi never getting to hold him accountable is obviously something that has bothered him over the years.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Insider suggests Leafs may go in unexpected direction at trade deadline

Ovechkin passes Gordie Howe, thanks to two former Leafs goaltenders

Playoff matchups if the postseason started today; Leafs, Stars, Oilers would have three of the toughest round 1 matchups

POLL
24 DECEMBRE \| 1344 ANSWERS Ex-Leaf Tie Domi identifies Devils legend as ''the biggest phony'' he every played against, shares some stories to back it up Do you wish Domi and Stevens ever dropped the mitts and squared off in their prime years?
Yes	1102	82 %
No	37	2.8 %
Don't care	205	15.3 %
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