Avery’s antics inspire rule change

April 14, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Sean Avery battles Marty Brodeur in an unusual matter

Let me just state for the record that I like Sean Avery. He can be a very effective hockey player and has played quite well in the First Round Eastern Quarterfinal Series against the Devils tallying three goals and an assist thus far.

However, the NHL’s most hated player (yes, even more than Darcy Tucker) crossed the line last night during an extended Ranger 5-on-3. His screening shenanigans in front of nemesis Marty Brodeur was completely uncalled for and let’s just say extraordinary stuff which defied logic. Does that surprise anyone?

Photo Copyright Getty Images

It was hard to tell what the heck Avery was doing in front of Brodeur from my seat. We sit in 412 and it’s all the way at the opposite end where the chaos was taking place. Watching the replays was enough to see how dumb this agitator can sometimes be. He was essentially swinging his stick in a way not to make contact with the Devil netminder without even paying attention to where the puck was behind him.

I’ve never seen anything like this in all my years watching hockey. It went on for at least 20 seconds even leaving Versus color analyst and former Ranger GM Neil Smith at a loss for words.

See for yourself above.

As fate had it, Avery cameback and scored on that same power play to put the Rangers up 2-1 in a game they’d eventually lose 4-3 in overtime.

Not surprisingly, the NHL reviewed the tape and instituted a new rule. We’ll just call it the Sean Avery Rule for waving his stick and whatever the heck else you want to say in ways a hockey player shouldn’t when screening in front.

This was bush league and has no place in the game embarrassing those who watched it. Why would a good player like him even need to go that far? He and Brodeur have a history but this was just moronic.

In any event, I hope he doesn’t try such garbage next game. Next time he won’t be so lucky and could require help off the ice. Word of friendly advice. Just play the game!