My mother always told me if you can’t something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all. I guess Marty Brodeur’s and Sean Avery’s mothers never told them that. To add insult to the injury of Marty Brodeur’s refusal to shake Sean Avery’s allegedly proffered hand, the name calling and vitriol afterward was just unnecessary.

When I say Avery’s alleged proffered hand, I mean that what I saw was the weakest effort on the part of Avery to put out his hand out and the total lack of respect by Brodeur to not even look to see if Avery’s hand was there to shake. And you know the cameras were going to be focused on them both. Stan Fischler alluded to the handshake before the game, and in so many words said  he would be shocked if both players went against tradition.  I guess it’s not the first time Stan’s been shocked.

Afterward, when questioned about the  incident, Avery called Brodeur “Fatso” and Brodeur said something to the effect that he would not shake the hand of someone he doesnt like. They both need to get over themselves. Most of the guys going through the handshake line are just going through the motions anyway. It begs the question, tradition aside, why not make the handshake the option of the players. Why be hypocritical? If one guy doesn’t want to shake another guys hand, let him take a pass.

With a very few exceptions, Scott Gomez embracing his old teammates and Kevin Weekes’ old teammates embracing him, I saw precious little love lost. I am glad the cameras focused first on the coaches moment together. Renney and Sutter behaved like gentlemen. Sutter’s congratulations and Renney’s acceptance are what hockey should be all about. I didn’t hear any sour grapes come out of Sutter’s mouth after it was all over, either. 

All series long, the majority of the Rangers had nothing but deference for their opponent and gave the Devils credit for their hard play. There was no whining about officiating, no threats to run their players and goaltender.  In truth, the only people on either side that were disrespectful were Marty and Avery. 

I’m glad to be going on to the second round. Who will be Avery’s next target, Crosby? Can’t see that happening. Sidney is the league’s golden boy.  Stay tuned for the ongoing drama that is “The Sean Avery Show”.