Upset at Avery? Perfect

If ever there was a sign that the real Sean Avery was back it is the fact that days after the Edmonton game, the Oilers players are still whining about the apparent dirty play. It wasn’t exactly gentlemanly conduct but look again closely (as should the Oilers players); Smid hadn’t turned his back on Avery and was still engaging him. What he got from Avery he should expect to have received from Avery, but this is the critical point for the Rangers: what Smid got, 18 months ago he wouldn’t have got. Avery looked disengaged 18 months ago and right now he is totally focused, passionate about his hockey and his team and more than willing to really get under the opponents skin.  He will every now and again go over that infamous line but players of his ilk usually do. They need to. It’s what he brings as a package that’s so critical.

During the win against the NHL refereeing association Penguins last night, we continued to see mature performances from Brandon Dubinsky, Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi and along with Lundqvist and Gaborik these are obviously the core components going forward for the Rangers however John Tortorella needs to be aware of keeping Avery in the mindset and form that he is currently in as (as we’ve discussed time and time again) Avery is an essential part of this team when he plays like he is. No other team other than the Flyers and Bruins (to varying degrees) have a player that can do what Avery does. He cycles the puck brilliantly and has played heads-up hockey recently. His skill behind the net is excellent and the grit and annoyance he brings is unparalleled. No team since the Tampa Bay Lightning have won the Cup being top heavy. Special teams and depth is king – if you can get them. If the Rangers can add a solid top 6 scorer over the summer -or fast track a guy like Chris Kreider into an impact player – then they have the ability to play deep and with a third line featuring Sean Avery the Rangers have an X factor and a very bright future.

Many of the aforementioned keys to the Rangers future were on the ice last night for the game winner – Dubinsky, Callahan, Staal, Girardi and Lundqvist – but every successful team need their foot soldiers (and unheralded players, in the shadows) such as Avery and how fitting it is that while those young players bask in their justified praise, Avery is in the shadows playing old fashioned and effective hockey.