Fan-tastic Loss For The Flyers

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 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."

Hoglund`s power-play goal came just 27 seconds after a trio of penalties, including two against the Flyers. Seven seconds after the second Philadelphia penalty, unsportsmanlike conduct on Kent Manderville, Hoglund knocked in a shot from Tomas Kaberle.

Toronto also got an early power-play goal from Gary Roberts, who knocked the puck in during a scuffle in front of the net 57 seconds into the second period.

Philadelphia outshot Toronto 39-27 as the Flyers recorded their highest shot total this season.

Toronto`s Curtis Joseph, 4-12 against the Flyers, made a series of big saves, including catching a shot by Paul Ranheim at the end of the second period, and stopping Dean McAmmond on a breakaway early in the third.

"We`ve had some disappointing outings in the last little while," said Toronto coach Pat Quinn. "So it was an important game for us both for our frame of mind as we approach playoffs and also we didn`t have anything assured at this point."

Philadelphia is winless in four games. Toronto has lost three of five, winning only against Philadelphia.

The Flyers dropped to 0-4-2 this season without leading goal-scorer Keith Primeau. The center is tops on the team with 34 goals -- 11 on the power play. He is tied for first with 73 points.

The other Philadelphia centers have only 37 goals combined.

Primeau is expected to be out at least three weeks -- missing at least the first round of the playoffs -- because of a knee sprain sustained Monday at Ottawa.

Game notes:
Roberts and captain Mats Sundin are tied for first in scoring for the Maple Leafs with 28 goals apiece. ... Sundin has at least two points in 146 games, moving him into fifth place on the Maple Leafs` career list. ... John LeClair and Simon Gagne are scoreless for Philadelphia in three games since returning from injuries.

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News (AP)