Pucks on Broadway: Analysis, Discussion, and Musings on the New York Rangers

Many of you, particularly my buddy Keith Connors and the fine group over at Faux Rumors, have asked my opinion of the new "Avery Rule." (You like me , you really , really like me...)

I was hoping to avoid this, but seeing as everyone made such a stink about it, here it goes. First off, we need to understand something. Sean Avery did nothing wrong to Marty Brodeur.

Nothing.

The fact that the referees warned the Rangers bench that if he did it again, he would call a penalty, shows clear bias and is unacceptable. If ANYONE does anything within the rules of the game, no referee has the right to make up a call like that.

Next, understand that this is not the first time it has happened. While everyone claimed never to have seen it, they weren't looking hard enough. Two years ago, while the Edmonton Oilers were battling the Carolina Hurricanes, Ryan Smyth made it a point to wave his arms and stick in front of Cam Ward's face.

The difference? He wasn't eye to eye with him. Everyone applauded Smyth's efforts in front and found him to be a trooper on the top of that crease. Avery? Just an idiot.

The fact that the two instances are separated by a mere position again shows just how much everyone hates Avery.

Now, let me say that it's not something I condone. I think it looked stupid and looked bush league. However, so does Brodeur diving every chance he gets. If one is wrong, both are wrong.

I don't mind that the league cracked down on the penalty, but I agree with Faux that the fact it was done like an emergency congressional hearing was stupid. Can the league really be legitimate or taken seriously if every time something happens, there is a knee-jerk reaction to it? Let's be honest, if any player other than Sean Avery did this, it wouldn't have been addressed until the off-season.

Yesterday, over at The Hockey News, I wrote about the poor officiating thus far and how if it continues, it will become as tiresome to watch as the NBA or MLB. This plays directly into it. The players and sport should dictate the games and outcomes, not officials and corporate suits.

What happened to ingenuity? What happened to hard work being rewarded? Marc Staal makes a beautiful play to get in front of Brodeur and while outside the crease is given a phantom call. This biased needs to stop.

Yes, Brodeur is an outstanding goalie who has earned a lot in this league, but if you ask me which is worse: Avery being stupid and childish or Brodeur flopping around and embellishing calls, I'll take creative any day.

Again, I am not supporting what Avery did and I don't think it belongs in the game, but until the NHL realizes what true problems exist in the sport, punishing Avery is not going to solve anything. Diving, scrums after the whistle, embellishments, hits from behind, inconsistent officiating, and too much damn equipment is what the league should be focusing on.