Colleague McDonald raises interesting points

April 15, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Only in the NHL playoffs could a player suddenly have a rule named after him. Some might say that’s just Sean Avery being Sean Avery regarding his questionable conduct in front of the net against “good buddy” Martin Brodeur the other night at Madison Square Garden.

I’ve already given my view on Mr. Avery’s illegal screening which featured chaotic stick swinging during a Ranger two-man advantage in Game Three. I don’t approve of the Ranger antagonist’s actions as it crossed the line.

However, there are plenty of other opinions on the NHL’s thrifty response in creating Rule No.70. The Sean Avery rule.

My New York Hockey Report (NYHR) colleague NY SportsDay’s chief editor Joe McDonald had a different view on the issue while covering the fifth Battle of Hudson playoff series.

His article entitled, “The Avery Rule is a Slippery Slope“ raises some interesting points on what such a rule instituted in the middle of the playoffs can do.

Maybe McDonald’s best argument came here where he pointed out that changing rules on the fly during a postseason can create an absurd precedent:

A call to Glen Sather might have worked better or even letting things play out, since things seem to even out in the end. Instead the NHL chose to grandstand and issue a new decree, opening the door allowing for other possible rule changes on the fly as the need happens, creating a slippery slope in the process.

McDonald went on to conclude that if the Canadian press gets riled up, our league commish Gary Bettman can just snap his fingers at League VP Colin Campbell and change rules on the fly as seems fit.

In this extreme case, the New Jersey Devil organization got what they wanted. The question now becomes is it okay for other competing teams to complain until something is done during these playoffs. Should the Ranger organization file a complaint for a couple of the questionable penalties called against them the other night? What about the Too Many Men On The Ice minor late in regulation which was missed?

Separate matters entirely from the childish antics Avery pulled. Sometimes, calls will be missed during these intense playoff games. You just have to live with it. My only gripe is that if it’s okay for one team to vent and get their wish, then I guess there’s nothing wrong with the other demanding the stripes keep a closer eye on what the opponent is doing.

This is the playoffs. Bitch fests such as the classic overreaction by Devil GM Lou Lamoriello after Game Two shouldn’t be tolerated. Even if a couple of calls went against his team, Lamoriello deserved at least a fine. Instead, this weak ass league let it go. If the shoe was reversed, I guarantee Sather would’ve been fined for such nonsense because he’s not as well respected.

In the case of Avery versus Brodeur (not exactly Roe vs Wade), I believe the league did what needed to be done so it doesn’t happen again. However, I also can see what McDonald’s point is on the topic. These days, the NHL doesn’t have much backbone. They are so concerned with their image that they’ll make radical changes for the sake of saving face. No other league reacts quite the way they do.

Mr. McDonald is on to something here. Could they just have contacted Sather and gave fair warning of such actions by Avery wouldn’t be tolerated the next time? Absolutely.

My guess is that the league didn’t want to chance it because Mr. Avery is unlike any other NHL player. Though once league brass took note of his pregame routine against the Devils and Maple Leafs, the former King obliged and stopped mixing it up opting to do his talking on the ice.

Regardless, the Sean Avery Rule isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it makes it even more intriguing to see what transpires tomorrow night in Game Four and which team responds the best and takes the series.

We’ll be a curious spectator cheering on our respective team hoping there’s no more controversies the rest of the way.