PHILADELPHIA—Neither Tie Domi nor Donald Brashear threw a punch last night, but each had a far greater impact on the game than if they had spent the evening throwing haymakers.
Which is no surprise because Brashear and Domi are considered the two best players among tough guys in the NHL. And even though they are certainly not doing it wittingly, the two pugilists are making a compelling case against fighting.
They are showing that even players who come into the league as enforcers can improve their games to the point where they can skate with the best players in the world and making a tangible contribution.
More important, they can keep their tempers and wits about them in what is the most intense time of the season.
In a series in which star players have had little room to do their work, it has made for an interesting game within the game.
In the Flyers' 2-1 win over the Leafs last night, Brashear was a force and showed terrific hand-eye co-ordination on the Flyers' first goal. Not to be outdone, Domi outskated Philadelphia defenceman Joni Pitkanen and tipped a pass from Clarke Wilm over Robert Esche's glove to tie the score in the second period.
Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock said one reason why Brashear and Domi can contribute is that, during the playoffs, they simply have to concern themselves with playing the game and not with fighting.
"You have to play out of the corner of your eye the entire game in the regular season," Hitchcock said. "It is a hard way to have to play and make a living.
"You get in the playoffs and there is not fighting and their true talents come out and they are both very good hockey players. Now they don't have to worry about any of the garbage, the entertainment is the game and they are very effective. Both players can skate and they have hockey sense."
With a difference of four inches and 20 pounds between them — Brashear is obviously the big one — they bring vastly different attributes to the game. Brashear's skill level has long been underrated and much of what he accomplishes is done on sheer power. Domi is a whirling dervish whose skating is underrated, as well as his ability to read the ice and make plays.
"Both of them are very smart in terms of knowing when to drop the gloves and not to drop the gloves and making plays in big-time situations," Flyers winger Jeremy Roenick said.
"When you have tough guys who can do that, that's something you can't buy. There was a time when Tie was looked at as a guy who couldn't be put on in certain situations, as was Brash, but now I think both their coaches have the confidence to put them on."
Brashear, who averaged about 11 minutes a game this season, played 15:02 last night, 1:01 on the power play. His ability to maintain position in front of the net was key to him scoring. It came on the rebound of a Mark Recchi shot from a bad angle.
If Brashear and Domi are the two best players among tough guys, Domi said it's likely because both have been around long enough to recognize a good chance when they see it.
"I think it's all about opportunity, taking an opportunity when you get it and making the best of it," Domi said. "I think we've both done a pretty good job of that."
