It couldn’t have been scripted any better. During overtime in Game 2 of the first-round series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, Max Domi got a hold of the puck and produced some magic. And if Toronto fans weren’t already excited, things got even better when the cameras spotted Tie Domi in attendance — and his reaction to his son’s goal was priceless.
Max Domi always plays with a ton of energy, much like his father, Tie. Tie is a cult hero for the Maple Leafs, having played 12 seasons with the team — first in 1990, and then from 1995 to 2004. He was a fan-favorite fighter who always gave everything for his team. When Max was young, he grew up a Maple Leafs fan in Toronto. And on Tuesday, he had Scotiabank Arena erupting with an incredible OT goal in the Battle of Ontario.
Toronto had already won Game 1, and they had the chance to go up 2–0 in a playoff series for the first time since 2002. It was a tight game that went to overtime — but just three minutes in, Max Domi received a pass from Simon Benoit in the Senators’ zone and fired a wrist shot past Linus Ullmark.
Tie Domi’s wholesome reaction
Domi was swarmed on the ice by teammates as the arena exploded. Cameras quickly found Tie Domi in the crowd. The legendary enforcer isn’t exactly known for showing a ton of emotion when watching hockey, but this time, he couldn’t help laughing as he shook a friend’s hand. Max was the clear hero of the game — and he’s already done something his dad never did: score an overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
But postgame, he downplayed the moment, giving credit to his teammates and linemate Benoit.
“Every night there’s a different hero in the playoffs. Doesn’t really matter who scores as long as you get the win,” Max said. “Obviously, it was a great play by Benny. Shoot the puck — anything can happen.”
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