Sloppy Seconds

Anyone who follows the NHL just a bit knows that Sean Avery will be making his return to the New York Rangers fairly soon, and I find it funny how I heard all Rangers fans say good riddance to him, but now that they are in a push to make the playoffs this is the best thing that could happen.

With the standings in the Eastern Conference as close as they are no team can really afford to make any mistakes. As of Feb. 26, five points separate 6th from 10th in the East, and the Rangers have made it clear they are not going to down without trying something drastic. They are hoping that a new coach and the return of Avery will spark this team, and give them enough momentum into the playoffs.

I heard some harsh words about Avery being allowed back into the league, and I do not see why this is a problem. While what he said was stupid it was even more stupid to practically exile him from the league for it. Worse players have done worse things and received a slap on the wrist for it.

The only issue for the Rangers is going to be is he ready yet?

I got a chance to see Avery in Lowell as the Lowell Devils took on the Hartford Wolfpack (see photo above), the Rangers AHL affiliates, (for the record it still angers me to see a hockey team in Hartford that is not the Whalers). While the Wolf Pack won it was not a productive day for Avery. More then half the time on ice he looked to be playing at half speed. That can not be a positive sign for the Rangers unless he feels ready after that layoff and is just coasting through the AHL (more then probable). The only way to find out is to wait and see what happens.

On another note I have to question the choices by the Devils. Why would you send Scott Clemmensen back to Lowell rather then use him as your backup? Obviously Brodeur is the #1 guy now that he is back, and not just on the team but maybe all-time (feel free to prove me wrong Roy and Hasek fans). But Clem went 25-13-2 with a GAA of 2.39 in his absence, and carried this team to a division lead. He should be the backup to Brodeur rather than Kevin Weekes