Sean Avery's time in Dallas was a Big D.
As in disaster.
His stint with the Los Angeles Kings ended up a bomb like so many produced in Hollywood.
Yet, life in New York with the Rangers works for the pest called the most hated man in hockey. Which makes you wonder why.
"It's probably a better question for him," said Rangers captain Chris Drury, prior to last night's clash bewtween the Rangers and Flames.
After being told Avery wouldn't talk to the media in Calgary -- either by choice or by orders -- Drury said: "I think he just enjoys being a Ranger. He likes the city, likes being a Ranger. It just has seemed to work. He gets along great with everyone in here."
When Avery left Dallas, it was easy to find players happy to see him gone. The "sloppy seconds" comment made in Calgary was the final item on a laundry list of transgressions that had made the Stars players want him out of their hair.
His time in Los Angeles was almost as messy. He was banished from the team near the end of the 2005-06 season, brought back the next season and eventually traded away by the Kings, who didn't feel his on-ice contributions were worth the headaches.
Somehow, though, Avery has flourished with the Rangers through two stints.
He produces more offence, manages to keep his personality in check -- with a few incidents sprinkled in -- and the Rangers are a winning team with him in the lineup.
"It seems like the city's made for him," said Flames forward Fredrik Sjostrom, who was a teammate of Avery's the previous two seasons.
"That's probably his kind of lifestyle, living in New York. I think it's the same with my buddy, Henrik Lundqvist. He's made for that kind of climate."
Still, Avery has to somehow stay on the right track with his teammates and coaches.
At first glance, you'd think his personality wouldn't mesh with volatile coach John Tortorella, but the two found some form of harmony.
"In New York, with this coaching staff, we're coaching a team, not individual players," Tortorella said. "We're coaching a team, and Sean is part of the New York Rangers."
"I think Torts has been good for him," Rangers defenceman Redden said.
"He doesn't let him get away with too much. On the ice, he's a guy that plays on the edge and plays hard, in your face. Sometimes when you cross the line, you need to be aware of it, but he's done a good job."
RANDY.SPORTAK@SUNMEDIA.CA
THREE STARS
AS CHOSEN BY SUN MEDIA
G MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF, CGY
You'd never guess this guy was saddled with the flu just three days earlier.
RW JAROME IGINLA, CGY
Far from his best outing but still the Flames' most dangerous offensive threat.
LW RYAN CALLAHAN, NYR
Three hits, two shots and just plain fearless in front of the net.
