Yeah, I know. I never thought Marty Turco could learn anything from Sean Avery (except fashion tips?), but the NHL is full of surprises.
Last night, the New York Rangers hosted the Dallas Stars at MSG in what was the second game between the Stars and Avery, since exiling him two seasons ago. For whatever reason, Avery hasn’t been as productive this season as he has normally been for the Rangers. In fact, he hasn’t even been as annoying (I believe Flyers thug Dan Carcillo has since taken the title as the NHL’s problem child).
Anyways, the Rangers beat the Stars 5-2 and Avery lead the charge scoring a goal and adding three assists. A 4-point night for Avery who from all accounts was the difference maker in the Rangers win.
Fact: Sean Avery has a lot more skill than he often shows.
Fact: Sean Avery often behaves like an idiot.
Yet following the game, when interviewed about Avery’s 1st star performance, this is what Marty Turco had to say:
“I would have liked to see that delinquent do that for us last year. I didn’t think it was possible, really.”
- Marty Turco on Sean Avery’s 4-point night against the Dallas Stars
Seriously, Marty? I have no issue with one player calling another player out like that. Unless your performance was so bad that it makes Pascal Leclaire seem like a good replacement. (Kidding, Sens fans). Turco’s fall from grace has been well documented over the years (remember he was the 3rd goalie for the 2006 Canadian Olympic team). But for those who didn’t see the game or highlights from the Stars/Rangers game, check this out:
That’s pretty weak goaltending from Turco. Yes, some of the breakdowns were the Stars fault (not just Turco), but I look at the Avery slapshot goal as a save Turco has to make. OK – Avery had one good game but has been invisible for most of the season. Regardless, he stepped up in what was probably a big game for him on a personal level.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Avery, but he backed up his act with a fine performance last night. Turco didn’t. Isn’t that the cardinal rule of trash-talking? As much as it pains me to say this, Turco could learn a thing or two from Avery. And yes, Hell has officially frozen over.
Stay classy, Sean Avery. You actually were more classy than Marty Turco last night.
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Personally, I agreed with Turco’s comments from the position that Avery barely showed up most nights for Dallas.
He would have wished for 4 points from any other former teammate that did the same, but the mention of Avery being a delinquent should just be par of the course.
It was all good for a giggle… just like Avery’s “I’m getting paid by both teams” shot. Good night for quotes.
Yea, those were some weak ones let in by Turco… But on another note, looks like Ribeiro got a legit highstick in the face, its ’bout time he found out what that really felt like!
@ Opiated Sherpa – I guess I have a problem with the timing of it. I don’t disagree with the comment, but it’s funny that Turco’s ripping Avery after such a brutal performance.
@ Mantooth – Nice call. Everyone in Montreal agrees with you. I can feel it.
I think I just died a little inside reading that Avery was the classier person. I actually had more of a problem with Avery’s comments than Turco’s (which I approve off, because anything against Avery just gets approved by me ;) ), Avery on the other hand is a tool, does he not realize that he’s getting paid by 2 teams because there’s a team that is literally paying him to not play for them because they’re so ashamed of him? If he’s bragging about that accomplishment then he’s more of a lost cause than I thought he was. Turco imo was the one most annoyed and bothered by Avery when he was in Dallas, and he deserved some venting.
But I agree he had less than a stellar of a night
I still don’t understand why in the hell Dallas signed Avery in the first place. But, wow, you could really see the hatred his former teammates had for him last night at MSG.
Avery is definitely a New York Ranger but I don’t see any team with Avery on it winning a Cup. I like the guy but he is a cancer in the locker room.
To be honest, I’m surprised this many people back Turco. I hold him in similar regard to Chris Osgood in terms of cockiness and sheer arrogance. Yes, Avery’s a douche (definitely won’t argue that), but finally someone can shut Turco up for at least a few days. Or maybe when the Stars/Rangers play next year, Turco can talk about his/the team’s play.
@ Keith/Best Kings blog ever – I don’t get it either. I guessing Hull saw a bit of himself in Avery. I stress a bit. I agree – Avery will never have his name on the Cup. If he does, Hell might re-unfreeze.
I can’t say Im backing Turco but going against Avery, he’s always going to have my vote. So ya my opinion isnt entirely objective. Both comments were stupid and both players should have kept their mouths shut but at the end of the day Avery is still a jerk ;)