Tie Domi battled some of the toughest enforcers the NHL has ever seen—but according to him, Scott Stevens wasn’t one of them.
“He was the biggest phony I ever played against,” Domi said.
A legendary enforcer, Domi is often mentioned among the toughest players in NHL history. While he was a solid player in his own right, he’s best known for his physical play and fighting skills. For years, he served as the main protector of Swedish superstar Mats Sundin—a job he executed to perfection.
Over his career, Domi squared off against some of the league’s heaviest hitters, including several memorable bouts with the one and only Bob Probert. But if there was one player he felt didn’t deserve the reputation of being a tough guy, it was Scott Stevens. While Stevens was known for his thunderous hits, Domi didn’t buy into the hype.
Tie Domi’s honest words about Scott Stevens
During an appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast, Domi didn’t hold back in his assessment of his former rival.
“Scott Stevens was the biggest phony I ever played against,” Domi said, chuckling. “Honestly, I chased that guy for years. He was such a phony, it was a joke. Let me put that out there.”
According to Domi, Stevens had a habit of avoiding fights—even after delivering questionable hits on star players.
“That guy used to target all the best players on my teams, and I always tried to fight him, and he would never fight,” Domi said. “He never, ever answered the bell.”
Domi recalls moment with Stevens
Tie Domi recalled one particular incident when he and Stevens were involved in a bench-clearing brawl. While chaos erupted around them, Stevens refused to engage.
“Him and I ended up on the bench. He was bear-hugging me so hard, I said, ‘Let go, I’m going to beat the s— out of you,’ and he wouldn’t let go. He was holding on so tight.”
Tie Domi acknowledged Stevens’ ability as a hitter but took issue with how and when he threw his biggest checks.
“He was a good hitter, obviously, but he targeted the wrong guys at very vulnerable times and never answered the bell.
”Scott Stevens, a tough guy? Give me a break.”
READ MORE: Tie Domi reveals the best chirp he ever gave during his NHL career
