Apparently this fight is stirring up quite the controversy right now:
Thanks to Jes for posting this over at the Fanhouse. The fight, though fun, is apparently the result of Avery doing what he does best: Walking on thin ice. CBC.ca reports that the NHL is actually contemplating punishment for the little guy’s big mouth in causing this tussle:
The NHL is investigating an on-ice incident involving abrasive New York Rangers forward Sean Avery, according to the Canadian Press.
Avery, 27, shoved Jason Blake and got into a heated exchange with Darcy Tucker during the pre-game warmup prior to Saturday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre.
Though the article doesn’t go as far as to say so, the suggestion is clear that Avery was poking fun at Blake about his leukemia situation. And if he was, it’s obviously a step too far. But if Avery didn’t take a step too far every once in a while, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy reactions like Belak’s:
“He’s pissing guys off,” Belak told The Sun. “He’ll bring harm to himself and not too many guys around the league are going to be sad to see it. If he keeps this up, someone is going to kill him. One day he’s going to say something the wrong way and he’ll be clubbed.
“And I’m not saying it will be by me, either.”
“I’m not not saying it won’t not be me, too” he then followed up with…
Nah, seriously, who doesn’t want to kill Avery sometimes? But he managed a couple points in the win to go with his major penalty, and the Leafs reacted just the way he wanted. Does he get bothered by Belak half-threatening to kill him? Not likely. The man took pride in being named the most annoying player in the game; He’s not going to think twice about the fact that a third-line goon wants him dead. In fact, he’s going to revel in that bit of information, until the NHL cleans his clock, at least.
It doesn’t justify his lip. But until people start to learn that this is the type of composure Avery’s trying to incite, there’s no way he’s going to quit. He’s proven to be an important part to the Rangers, and his line is easily one of the most detestable second lines in the league. And that’s not going to end for a while yet, from the looks of things!
2 Comments
November 14, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I would like to see Tucker and Avery square off for a “fight” using only their mouths. Two of the great pests in the game today. It’s hard to imagine Tucker being out-talked by anyone, but I think I’d put my money on Avery.
November 14, 2007 at 1:27 pm
How’s this for a Hotstove: Avery, Tucker, Roenick, and Hull.
Now that’s a show I would watch!