At some point the NHL will need to decide if keeping Sean Avery employed is worth it.
Even on a day when Marian Gaborik scored three goals and Derek Boogaard went two rounds with Steve MacIntyre in the heavyweight division the hot topic of conversation in New York was Sean Avery.
As the story goes, with the game out of reach Avery sucker punched Oilers defenceman Ladislav Smid.
Now don't get me wrong; Smid wanted to go. He was begging Avery to fight, but the Rangers winger didn't oblige until the defenceman was looking the other way. It was then that he jumped Smid and landed a looping right hand squarely on the jaw.
Hockey is a game for men and Avery doesn't fit the requirements.
Edmonton has a lot to concern themselves with after a six-goal loss and a position at the bottom of the standings, but they only had eyes for Avery after he pulled that stunt. The fact is he didn't need to fight. There was really nothing to be gained by it but he saw a chance to be a weasel and took it. I don't like to take shots at someone's character when I've never really met them, but it's hard not to do with Avery.
The things he says and does lead you to believe he's just not a good person. Maybe he raises money for charities and helps sick kids and I don't know about it. Then I would feel bad about writing this because he really does have some redeeming qualities. Watching him from afar that doesn't appear to be the case.
Does the NHL really want a guy like that around? If they do, then the league is in more trouble than I imagined. The shame of it is that he's actually not a bad hockey player when he sticks to playing the game. The problem is that too often he doesn't play the game and ends up being a problem that neither New York nor the league needs.
If they're not sure how to deal with Avery then why not let the Oilers take care of it?
