Under the old rules, yes, the D should clear the crease. In case ya missed it, D-men can't take the liberties they once took...it's called interference now. In such a close game, especially down 2-0 in the series, a deenseman can't take the risk. Avery knows that.
As for Brodeur's statements after the game, it was all very tongue-in-cheek, you'd have to have seen the interview. He goes on to say that what Avery was doing actually worked because two pucks that missed the net would have been in had they been on goal, because Marty couldn't see them.
Avery is a tough kid, and he possesses some skill. There is a fine line between agititating and going beyond the "code" that most NHL players acknowledge exists. It seems to me he could remain extremely effective without stepping over the line. A buddy of mine played junior hockey in Canada and said that, to a man, any player who yapped HAD to back it up...your own teammates wouldn't have your back if you didn't back up your mouth.
Used to be that way in the NHL. Under the new rules, however, guys like Avery and Tucker can get away with the cheap shots, etc. because any retaliation will be severely punished. I remember years ago guys like Ken Linseman would agitate and they'd get a cross-check to the teeth, with no penalty call. Now it'd be a 10 game suspension. This sort of running and hiding is what infuriates the leagues true tough guys and sometimes results in incidents like the Bertuzzi or McSorley incidents.
So I guess we'll agree to disagree on Avery...you like him on your team...I'd be ashamed to have him on mine. We all have our own standards, I suppose. For the hell of it...Included in Sean Avery's actions over the years:
- Accused of calling George Larocque a monkey...wouldn't fight him, though, and later denied it.
- Made derogatory statements about French Canadien players then when challenged separately by Ian Laperriere and Gauthier he declined.
-Reportedly made derogatory comments about Jason Blake's cancer battle, sparking a pre-game incident..denied it.
- Declined an invitation to fight janssens of NJ...but then turned and challenged Zach Parise. Parise????
- He was dropped from LA's roster at the end of his last season there after refusing to take part in a practice drill.