Stars-Flames, Avery thoughts

Let me start with the game. That was a good win. I thought they played a solid road game. Marty Turco was outstanding in net. They needed that win. They needed it to get over that stupid two win in a row thing and they needed it because of all the nonsense that went on earlier in the day with Sean Avery. More on Avery in a moment.

I thought they got a lot of good efforts. Toby Petersen had a good game and a big goal. Obviously Fabian Brunnstrom got a few more shifts Tuesday night and he scored the game-winner. I thought Chris Conner had a great game. Andrew Hutchinson seemed to be fine. It’s kind of hard to judge on TV sometimes. Overall, a good team effort. Calgary had a lot of shots, but I don’t think that was a little misleading. The Stars did a nice job defensively. Marty had to make some tough saves but I didn’t think he was under siege. He was under control most of the night though. That’s the best he’s looked this season. That’s a good sign.

And now let’s move on to Avery. What he did was just flat out stupid and juvenile. He would have been better off doing what he’s done most of the season and that is not talking to the media. I don’t think the sloppy seconds comment is the worst thing I’ve ever heard, but that’s not the point. The point is that he made sure the media all gathered around him so he can make a statement and then rolled out that gem. Sean’s a bright guy. He should know better.

I was listening to Les Jackson on the Calgary Flames radio broadcast and Jackson said Avery embarrassed the organization.

Avery also embarrassed his coach, who earlier in the day stood up for him in front of the Canadian media, telling them how hard Sean played, how he played hurt and how the media just blows stuff out of proportion.

Here’s what Tippett said prior to Avery’s comments: “I think he’s been quiet around us. There’s been a couple instances where the media blows things way out of proportion and our players recognize that. The distraction has been much overblown.”

A few hours later Tippett has to say this: “There is a lot of trash talk that goes on the ice and stuff, but to announce something like that for everybody to hear, to me that crosses the line. Our ownership feels the same way.”

I have no idea what Stars ownership does with Avery. We’ll see what Gary Bettman and the league does.

I thought Avery could be a good player for the Stars when they signed him back in July. I still think he is a good player. But I am not sure he’s turned out to be a good fit for the Stars. And it’s not just this sloppy seconds incident. There’s other stuff. Maybe it’s time to move on, but I don’t know how they go about that. Time will tell. It’s going to be interesting here in the near future.

Big game tomorrow too. Maybe three wins in a row and four of five. Hey, they are creeping up on .500. 

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