The worst part of what Maple Leafs enforcer Tie Domi said about referee Bill McCreary is it hurt the feelings of McCreary's teenage daughter, Melissa.
McCreary gave Domi his third instigator penalty of the season during a March 6 game against the Sabres, a call that landed Domi an automatic two-game suspension. McCreary also gave Domi his second instigator penalty.
Domi accused McCreary, the NHL's most-respected ref, of holding a grudge.
In protest, Melissa returned to Domi an autographed stick he gave her seven years before. McCreary brought it to a meeting with Domi at the NHL's Toronto offices.
"I gave his daughter a stick and a hat," Domi told the Toronto Sun. "She was going through a tough time. She had it hanging in her room. I didn't want to accept it. Instead, I sent a letter to her apologizing for what I said."
He also sent a new stick "because the other one was quite old. ... It really broke my heart that I broke her heart, and I just wanted to apologize. Hopefully, she accepts my apology like her father did."
Of McCreary, Domi said, "I have a lot of respect for Billy, and I did not show him that. I was wrong, and I told him that. I let my emotions get the best of me."
Limited exposure
With declining ratings and the possibility a lockout could wipe out much or all of next season, speculation is the NHL's new television contract will bring far less than the five-year, $600-million deal with ABC/ESPN that runs out after this season.
The Columbus Dispatch said the league is working on a deal in which 40 to 45 games will be on ESPN2, and the highlight show NHL 2Night will be dropped.
Only the All-Star Game and Stanley Cup final will be on ESPN, and there will be no network broadcast coverage. There was no mention of fees.
FIVE QUESTIONS
With Kings forward Luc Robitaille, who, entering Saturday, needs three points for 1,370 to pass Johnny Bucyk as the NHL's highest scoring left wing:
Q: What do you know about Bucyk?
A: He was actually one of my favorite players, just the way he passed the puck and was always gliding around the ice.
Q: Are you mentoring a younger player?
A: That's one thing I've tried to do here, just showing them the ropes and the right way as a veteran. I take the role seriously, and I like it.
Q: Anyone special?
A: Almost every young guy on the team I enjoy. But I like (Scott) Barney, (Dustin) Brown and Esa (Pirnes). It's a lot of fun to be around those guys.
Q: Do you wish you were younger?
A: Yes, there is a bright future here.
Q: This is your third tenure with the Kings. What keeps bringing you back?
A: Well, my house is here. My wife is from here. My family is from around here. This is just my place. It just feels like home.
Goal oriented
For the first time in franchise history, the Lightning has five players with at least 20 goals (Martin St. Louis, 35; Vinny Lecavalier, 29; Fredrik Modin, 26; Cory Stillman, 24; Brad Richards, 22).
Around the league
The official injury report on Colorado's Steve Moore, the victim of Todd Bertuzzi's blind-side mugging: fractures to the C3 and C4 vertebrae with spine ligament injuries at the C3 and C4 levels, a closed head injury with concussion and multiple facial lacerations and abrasions. ... Florida goalie Roberto Luongo is 6-5-2-2 when facing 40 or more shots, 4-1-3-0 since Jan. 1. ... Eric Lindros will have shoulder surgery in the next week or two. ... The Penguins will reduce ticket prices 6 to 45 percent for next season with 61 percent of seats costing $30 or less. ... Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek got some positive press when it was revealed by GM Ken Holland that Hasek has not taken a paycheck since January, forfeiting $3-million. "It's a private issue between me and the team," said Hasek, out with a groin injury. "I didn't want to make it public. It was my decision because I felt I couldn't deliver." ... Blackhawks goalie Jocelyn Thibault (hip surgery) is expected to play this week for the first time since Nov. 7. ... What's up with Predators fans? The team could make the playoffs for the first time, and 20,000 seats remain for their final four home games.
Quotable
"The good thing is there won't be very many people in the stands unless they buy tickets just to boo me." - Rangers wing Jaromir Jagr before Thursday's game in Washington against his former team
- Compiled by staff writer Damian Cristodero from personal interviews and information from other news organizations.
