Rangers' Sean Avery: A Team Player? Without a Doubt

Like him, or hate him, you can't say he's not doing his job.

Okay, nevermind. There is no liking this guy.

But he's been one of the most-watched players in the playoffs thus far, and for all the wrong reasons. And because of this, the New York Rangers have reached the second round.

With all the talk about how disrespectful and how arrogant he is, everyone has yet to realize that Sean Avery is giving his team the edge on the ice and in the mind games.

Avery has done many things in his career that cause people to look at him and say, "Wow, who does he think he is?" In all reality, everything that he does on and off the ice has drawn the attention of everyone around the game. It puts the spotlight on him, and leaves his teammates in the dark.

That is, until they light up the scoreboard.

The whole first-round series between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers was seen as "The Series Where Sean Avery Has A Bullseye on His Back." However, when the Devils are putting all their attention towards Avery, it left Rangers such as Jaromir Jagr, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Brendan Shanahan and Brandon Dubinsky open to do their damage.

As you can see, they already left their mark on one of the best goalies this game has ever seen.

We all know Sean Avery is a pest who runs his mouth and cheapshots everything he can get at. He's the type of player that you can't help but hate (and trust me, I do). At the same time, we play into his hands by booing him night after night.

But if you were a coach, don't tell me you would never put him on the ice in key situations.

Avery's play has shifted the momentum of many games into the Rangers' favor. You may not like him, you may not respect him, but you have got to appreciate what he's done for his squad. Not to mention, he recorded three goals and two assists during the five-game series against their Hudson River rivals.

All in all, I believe Sean Avery and his counterparts have a good shot at being Cup champions in June. They have solid goaltending, a strong attack, and game-breakers up and down their lineup.

And for whoever they play next round, I'm sure their goalie will be tested.