Sean Avery Still Disrupting New Jersey

Newsmakers in the NHL is a weekday morning attempt to clear yesterday's rebounds and look to the day ahead.

Rangers 3, Devils 0: Rangers forward Sean Avery is excellent at his job. His job, of course, is to cause as much chaos as humanly possible, and be a disruptive thorn in the side of any player lining up across from him on a given night. His particular brand of hell was on display in the Rangers' 3-0 win over New Jersey on Monday night. Video evidence after the jump.

Aside from recording an assist and being credited with four hits, he also managed to get under the skin of several Devils players, including David Clarkson in the third period.



That's Clarkson dragging Avery around the ice like a rag doll midway through the third period. When all was said and done, Clarkson was issued a double-minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct, while Avery received a two-minute minor for roughing. Advantage: Avery. Here is Clarkson's take on the exchange, via the AP recap:

"I don't know if it's irritating," Clarkson said of Avery's style. "They won the game. He didn't want to fight. I'm not going to say anything bad about the guy. He obviously did his job."

Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 38 shots he faced to record his third shutout of the season, much to the delight of the Madison Square Garden crowd. On the opposite end of the ice, Devils goalie Martin Brodeur received a chorus of derisive "MAR-TY" chants for allowing three goals on 37 shots. New Jersey has now lost five in a row, and six of its past seven. Obviously not the way the Devils want to head into the postseason.

Brandon Dubinsky, Daniel Girardi and Ryan Callahan all scored for the Rangers.

The Rest Of Monday's Action

-- The Sharks continue their quest for the Presidents Trophy with a 2-1 win in Calgary.

-- Phoenix overcomes a late Dallas rally to pick up a 6-5 win in overtime.

Daily Rebounds

-- A fantastic look at the Asia Hockey League playoffs ... in person! [Cycle Like The Sedins]

-- Another look at the Hart Trophy contenders. [Capitals Kremlin]

-- "If someone's going to try and impersonate Brian Burke, I'm going to sue his ass." The words of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke regarding the 'Brian Burke' twitter account. [Toronto Star, via Sports By Brooks]

Tuesday's Key Games

-- Blue Jackets vs. Predators: Columbus enters Tuesday's game having lost two in a row -- and three of its past four -- as it looks to get back on track against Nashville.

-- Ducks vs. Oilers: Anaheim's only loss in its past seven games was a 5-3 decision to Edmonton on Friday. The two teams meet again on Tuesday as they fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.