Posted by By Jon Gabrielle
In last night’s 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, Ranger forward, Sean Avery, with the bench shortened due to injuries to Drury and Dubinsky, logged 14:28 of ice time. That’s up considerably from the 5:56 and 9:30 he got the two previous games. Against the Wild a week ago Friday, he was scratched in what coach John Tortorella called, “a minor upper body injury.”
Whatever the reason, the once irascible Avery seems to have lost his “edge.” Whether it be an injury or his coaches disdain for “stupid” penalties, Avery has looked tentative and out of sorts lately. Come to think of it…ever since the former broadcaster, turned coach again, came out of the TSN broadcast booth; the oft suspended winger has been surprisingly ineffective.
TSN, John Tortorella’s former employer you remember, is where the demonstrative coach lambasted Avery on the national air-waves. A member of the Dallas Stars then, Avery was suspended for his snide remark of his ex-supermodel girlfriend. Apparently, Tortorella has a soft spot for tall, angular, gorgeous women. His retort to Avery’s suspension was something of the nature that the sport(NHL) has no place for guys like Avery and a permanent ban would be appropriate.
In fact, it went like this. “He’s embarrassed himself, he’s embarrassed the organization, he’s embarrassed the league and he’s embarrassed his teammates, who have to look out for him. Send him home. He doesn’t belong in the league.”
Interestingly enough, less than two months later Tortorella and Avery would find themselves on the same side of the ledger, when Tortorella would jump ship at TSN and accept Glen Sather’s offer to replace Tom Renney and become the head coach of the Rangers. The same Rangers and G.M. that would re-acquire Sean Avery from the Stars.
And so a union was formed, sort of, as the two began their quest for playoff mortality.
Glen Sather, former Stanley Cup winning coach and now President, G.M., and matchmaker of these N.Y. Rangers, had laid down the mandate. And it was clear, he expected everyone to just get along.
Before too many interviews were heard and press conferences held, it was time to start the playoffs and turn one’s attention to a common foe, the Washington Capitals.
The Caps arrived right on time and highly favored. According to Sather’s script, a worthy adversary was indeed a bonding experience as the Rangers surged to a 3-1 series lead.
But a little something happened in game 4 while the Rangers were building that 3-1 series advantage. Clinging to a one goal lead in the third period in front of a raucous Garden crowd, Avery took a roughing penalty at 10;21, which the Rangers successfully killed.
The next penalty may have been the beginning of the end, series-wise and edge-wise, as the Rangers scrambled mightily to fend off the Caps dominant power play at the 16:54 mark, thanks to an Avery high-sticking minor. Barely escaping, thanks in large part to Henrik Lundqvists outstanding play, the Blueshirts were headed south to the Nation’s Capital for a potential series clinching game 5.
However, Avery’s two late penalties would not go unnoticed as the forward was thrust into the unfamiliar role of cheerleading, relegated a game 5 healthy scratch!
With Avery back in New York, the Rangers got whipped 4-0 and never again threatened the Capitals, losing the series in 7 games.
Avery would play the final two games, but the phsychological damage was done. He had lost his edge, that fine line some players flirt with between, bending the rules, and outright breaking them. Torts was having none of it…and as is often the case with players that make their living on that ledge, they need a coach who allows them to thrive. To fall and get up. To make mistakes without fear of retribution from within.
Success for that type of player comes with a price. You ask him to intimidate, disturb and harass the opponent. If you want him to play that close to the edge, be aware that he may just fall off sometimes. What he’ll need from his coach is support, not a public lashing and benching.
Fast forward to a Ranger team that as of last night, has now scored just scored 7 even strength goals in it’s last 6 games. Seems they could use an angry forechecker like that. But is it possible, that with his ice time down as well as confidence…that Sean Avery, the effective agitater, no longer exists?
This Sean Avery appears, “kinder and gentler,” if not altogether tentative.
One thing’s for sure. Inspiration. in terms of developing a consistent forecheck. has to come from somewhere? Tortorella has spoken of this plenty.
However, I’m left wondering…has Sean Avery lost his edge?
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Is Shane O’Brien The Next Sean Avery?
Sean Avery Trying to Make Comeback
Avery Wins Back My Respect as Rangers Defeat Devils
Potential Buyer – Wolves in Coyotes Clothing?
He’s Baaaa-ack: Sean Avery Hits Tim Thomas In the Head With His Stick
5 For Writing: Avery Punches Varlamov; Rangers Fans Have Potty Mouth
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