Darcy Tucker occasionally gets recognized on the street.
Usually, fans want a photo or an autograph. If they chat longer, the conversation often turns to what the 50-year-old is most famous for from his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs: being a key player in the Battle of Ontario.
Tucker was central to the fierce rivalry where Toronto defeated Ottawa four times in the playoffs between 2000 and 2004. Even years later, people are eager to share their memories of those thrilling games.
`Many young adults across Ontario and Canada watched in their university dorms or local pubs,` Tucker mentioned this week. `Some are now doctors, some are lawyers. It`s special for them to have such a strong memory.`
`This is true for both sides… fans of Ottawa and fans of Toronto.`
A new generation is about to experience this rivalry.
The Leafs and Senators are playing Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday — their first playoff meeting in over 20 years.
The provincial rivalry was once among the most heated in hockey.
Former Senators defenseman Chris Phillips, who played in all four series, recalls a vibrant atmosphere.
`The excitement in the stands, in the city,` he remembered. `The verbal jabs between the teams, the mayors` banter.`
`Everyone was involved. It was incredibly fun.`
However, the outcomes always favored Toronto. Toronto won their first series in six games and swept Ottawa in 2001 before winning two seven-game series in 2002 and 2004.
`It`s a bit nostalgic,` said former Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph, recalling his famous fall with referee Mick McGeough in 2000. `We were completely invested in those series, and they are great memories.`
Tristan Blackwood