Torts pulled Lundqvist to give Auld a chance
Photo credit: Photo by Christopher Pasatieri | New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden. (April 7, 2010)
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Rangers 5, Toronto 1After giving the bare minimum of post-game information Tuesday on why he pulled Henrik Lundqvist at 5:17 of the second period in Buffalo, coach John Tortorella was specific before last night's game.
"It wasn't a difficult decision," he said. "Hank gives up three goals on six scoring chances, two of them at bad angles, and as I've said about all players, I need to make an assessment on the players each and every game. I didn't think Hank was sharp . Even after the first period, I said. 'You know what, he deserves to battle through this.' But we felt that Alex Auld would give us the best chance at that particular time . . . Alex Auld's practiced very well. Ben [goaltending coach Benoit Allaire] has said he's ready to play, it's not like I'm putting a rookie in, and you're playing in a back-to-back situation."
Avery out at least week
The knee injury to agitator Sean Avery, who has 11 goals and 20 assists in 69 games, appears to have ended his regular season. Tortorella said it was "doubtful" that the left wing could play this weekend and was it was unclear if could be ready for the playoffs.
Avery was injured in overtime loss to the Leafs in Toronto on March 27. Hereceived a second treatment of platelet-rich plasma therapy on Tuesday to speed the healing.
"He hasn't even skated," said Tortorella. It is unclear when Avery could play if the Rangers make the post-season.
Ice chips
Jody Shelley and Colton Orr fought for about seven minutes in the first and Orr, who was KOd by Shelley as a Shark earlier this year, was assessed 17 minutes, including an instigator penalty . . . Whichever team finishes in eighth place in the East won't face the Capitals in Game 1 until Thursday. The Wizards have a home game Wednesday.
