THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAS
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
SPORTS
NHL
9B
Rangers move on without Avery, hope for comeback
BY IRA PODELL
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — If the New York Rangers are going to pull off one of sport's biggest comebacks, they will have to do it without premier motor mouth Sean Avery.
The agitating forward will spend the next few days in the hospital after lacerating his spleen during Tuesday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
News of Avery's hospitalization created quite a stir Wednesday, following a report that the 28-year-old had suffered a cardiac arrest and was not breathing when he arrived at the hospital.
"The first time I saw the news, it was really concerning," said Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, Avery's former teammate. "I heard cardiac arrest. We
got [to practice] and heard ruptured spleen. It's still a severe injury, but sounded a lot worse."
Still, New York will be without Avery as the Rangers try to stave off elimination Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, stuck in a 3-0 series hole against Pittsburgh.
Avery was injured during Tuesday night's 5-3 loss from a hit, possibly in the first period, but played throughout the game despite worsening pain.
He took seven shifts in the first period, five in the second and seven in the third. He spent 4 minutes, 58 seconds on the ice in the final frame — only 10 seconds fewer than the first.
Rangers spokesman John Rosasco said Avery was evaluated at the arena, then rode in a car with team physician Andrew Feldman to St. Vincent's Medical Center and
walked in shortly after the game.
A CT scan revealed the lacerated spleen, the team said, and it didn't require surgery. Rosasco said Avery is expected to make a full recovery.
"He was never in a life-threatening situation," Rosasco said.
The spleen is an organ about the size of a fist on the left side of the body, behind the stomach. It helps the body fight infection and filters the blood. A person can live without a spleen, although they lose some of their ability to fight infections.
The Daily News first reported Avery had been hospitalized, quoting sources who said he was rushed to St. Vincent's Medical Center in cardiac arrest and not breathing around 3 a.m.
"Not true," Rangers coach Tom Renney said after practice. "Our.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
medical were quick to react to that and did a great job. On my way home I knew that he was on his way to the hospital, and I got home before 3 a.m."
New York Rangers' Sean Avery fights for the puck in the first period against Pittsburgh Penguins' Sergei Gonchar of Russia, during game 3 of an NHL hockey Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series Tuesday, in New York. Avery is expected to make a full recovery, but he will be out the rest of the season.
Avery's mother, Marlene, told the Toronto Sun that Avery's spleen had not ruptured, but he had internal bleeding. Michael Fagan, spokesman for St. Vincent's, said the forward was in "stable" condition.
Although the Rangers know they will be without Avery as they try to extend their season, the status of centers Chris Drury and Blair Betts was unclear. Renney said Betts might have facial fractures after he was struck while blocking a shot in the second period.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Drury was hampered by a torso injury that also occurred in the middle frame.
"Outside this room I don't think there is many people who think we can turn it around." Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr said. "But what's important is that I think we do. I think because we have nothing to lose, it makes us a very dangerous team."
"We'll see how they're doing [Thursday] morning as to whether or not they can participate," Renney said.
Avery will be missed by the Rangers, 33-14-10 with him this season and 9-13-3 when he was out with injuries. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in February 2007 and sparked the team's playoff run in which the Rangers went 17-6-6 in games he played.
"It's a tough loss to lose him.
Only two teams in NHL history have won a series after trailing 3-0.
— the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs in the finals versus Detroit, and the 1975 New York Islanders in the second round against Pittsburgh.
The Boston Red Sox won the 2004 AL championship series after falling behind the New York Yankees 3-0 in baseball's greatest postseason comeback. No NBA team has accomplished the feat.
New York Rangers' Sean Avery, right, battles for position against Pittsburgh Penguins'Hal Gill in the second period during game 3 of an NHL Eastern Conference semifinal hockey playoff game on Tuesday, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Avery has been hospitalized after lacering his spleen during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a statement Wednesday, the team said the noted agitator was taken to St. Vincent's hospital after New York's 5-3 loss Tuesday night.
but we've got a lot of guys in here.
Guys have to step up, and we have to concentrate on the next game," forward Ryan Callahan said.
Avery had an assist on the Rangers' second goal Tuesday.
"He's an important part of our team, obviously," forward Brandon Dubsinky said. "At the same time, we have a job to do, and it starts [Thursday] night. We can't sit here feeling sorry for ourselves and being sad and having the 'poor me' thought because one of our players is out."
Avery, set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, is known for pushing the envelope on the ice and off it.
In the Rangers' first-round victory against New Jersey, Avery frustrated Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur. The highlight came in game three when Avery planted himself in the crease with his back to the action and faceguarded the goalie.
The NHL moved the next day to forbid the activity with the so-called "Avery Rule".
Nonetheless, Brodeur was so incensed by Avery's crease crashing and trash talking that he refused to shake his hand after the Rangers' clinching victory in game five. Avery tied for the team lead with three goals in the series.
Congratulations Class of 2008!
You've made it!
Finally the all-nighters and daily treks up the Hill have paid off. As you prepare for Commencement, use the "Grad Guide" at www.kualumni.org/classof2008 for information about our graduation events, how to stay connected and life after KU.
Everything we do stengthens KU. Since 1883, the KU Alumni Association has kept 'Hawks connected to KU!
In addition to the year of free membership, you're eligible for the new grad yearly dues rate of $25 for the next 4 years. Plus, if you join the KU Alumni Association during Grad Grill on May 8, you'll receive a special KU Class of 2008 pint glass at the event.
Our graduation gift to you
For more details about Commencement, go to www.commencement.ku.edu
In partnership with KU Endowment we are giving you, upon graduation, a one-year, free membership in the KU Alumni Association! You'll receive the Kansas Alumni magazine, a 2009 KU campus calendar, access to the online directory, special discounts and so much more.
Don't miss these great graduation events!
GRAD GRILL
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 8
Adams Alumni Center
Join us for your first official alumni event at the Adams Alumni Center sponsored by the Student Alumni Association. Don't miss out on great door prizes, free food and drinks. This is your chance to pick up information about alumni activities and services Campus offices will be on hand to share information about their services to you...a proud KU graduate!
Please RSVP to saa@ku.edu by May 7.
COMMENCEMENT LUNCH
11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
The Outlook, Chancellor's Residence
Before you walk down the Hill, celebrate at the Chancellor's residence. Robert and Leah Hemenway will provide free box lunches for graduates and their guests. The KU Alumni Association will welcome you into alumni status, and the Senior Class officers will announce the class gift and banner.
To attend, send in your registration card and pick up your tickets on the third floor of the Adams Alumni Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays May 1-16.
Questions? Call the Alumni Association at 864-4760, e-mail kualumni@kualumni.org or visit www.kualumni.org
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