Mon Apr 14 15:44:33 2008

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NHL implements new unsportsmanlike rule

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League has quickly implemented a new unsportsmanlike conduct rule in the wake of Sunday's actions by New York Rangers instigator Sean Avery.

In Sunday's Eastern Conference quarterfinal game against the New Jersey Devils, Avery planted himself in front of goaltender Martin Brodeur during a Rangers power play and began faceguarding the star netminder while waving his stick in front of Brodeur's face.

There was no formal rule against the action, until Monday, when NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell issued a statement with the new interpretation.

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

Avery eventually scored during the 5-on-3 power play, re-directing a Scott Gomez feed under Brodeur's pads for a 2-1 Rangers lead. The Devils went on to win the game in overtime, 4-3.

The Rangers lead the best-of-seven series, two games to one, and Avery has scored a goal in each game of the set.