NEW JERSEY VS. TORONTO BUFFALO VS. PITTSBURGH COLORADO VS. LOS ANGELES DALLAS VS. ST. LOUIS

Saturday, May 5 Domi: 'It was a stupid reaction' Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – An apologetic Tie Domi said he made a bad mistake in elbowing Scott Niedermayer of the New Jersey Devils, but he contends the hit did not merit banishment from the playoffs. "It was a stupid reaction – I still can't believe it happened," the Toronto Maple Leafs right wing said at an emotional news conference Saturday, a day after the league handed him its longest playoff suspension. A tearful Tie Domi said he made a bad mistake in elbowing Scott Niedermayer, but feels the hit did not merit banishment from the playoffs. "I felt really bad about it and I felt it took away from something really special that was going on." Domi, who returned to Toronto after a teary-eyed news conference Saturday, said he called Niedermayer to apologize for the hit that caused a concussion in the waning seconds of Game 4. He said he also apologized to his coaches and teammates for letting them down. Niedermayer missed Game 5 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal on Saturday night, but the Devils hope he will be able to play in Game 6 in Toronto on Monday. Toronto won 3-2 on Saturday night to take a 3-2 series lead. "I sincerely hope Scott will be well soon enough to play hockey again," Domi said in statement. Domi said he may appeal the decision, but for now he's focusing on his team and the playoffs. The hardest thing Domi had to do was explain the incident to his young son, Max. "He asked me what suspension means," Domi said. "I told him that I really made a big mistake and Daddy's not playing hockey anymore." Domi then got all choked up again. He said, "Thank you," and left. Domi explained his actions in a meeting with NHL executive vice president Colin Campbell on Friday, hoping to avoid a major suspension. "Obviously, it wasn't good enough," Domi said. "They made a decision and I have to live with it. I can't say I agree with it, but I have to respect it. What happened, happened. I can't erase it. I'm sorry it happened." If the Maple Leafs do not advance to the conference final, Domi's suspension will carry over to the first eight games of next season. In handing down the suspension, Campbell said that Domi's actions have no place in the NHL, and he forfeited his privilege to participate in the playoffs because of it. Domi, one of hockey's notorious tough guys, insisted his hit was out of character and he apologized to hockey fans for failing to be a role model. "Hockey players must set an example in the community and be a role model. I slipped in that department and I am sorry for that, he said. "I sincerely hope that those people who have always supported me don't lose faith in me." The league said the previous high for a playoff suspension was five games to Dallas defenseman Derian Hatcher in 1999 when he left his feet and hit Jeremy Roenick with his arm and shoulder. Maurice Richard missed all of the playoffs in 1955 for breaking his stick on the back of Boston's Hal Laycoe, but his suspension began with three games remaining in the regular season. If Domi does serve the eight games next season, he would forfeit $164,000 from his $1.68 million salary. If the Leafs advance to the next round, Domi will not lose any money because his salary would have been paid by the time the postseason begins. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

ALSO SEE NHL hits back: Leafs' Domi out for rest of playoffs Niedermayer says Domi made threat earlier in series Leafs' victory over Devils marred by Domi's hit NHL's longest suspensions AUDIO/VIDEO  Toronto Maple Leafs news conference RealVideo: 56.6  Players react to Tie Domi's hit on Scott Niedermayer. avi: 2903 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN Cable Modem  Scott Niedermayer is taken from the ice on a stretcher, compliments of a Tie Domi elbow. avi: 2669 k RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN Cable Modem  NHL Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell says the league's top concern is protecting the players. wav: 156 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6  Tie Domi says he may have thrown away his dream. wav: 386 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6  Toronto teammates Gary Roberts and Mats Sundin react to Tie Domi's hit on Scott Niedermayer. wav: 218 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6