Clarke Lights Into Avery On Off The Record
22/10/2008 21:15
In his 40 years as a National Hockey League executive and former Broad Street Bully, Bob Clarke has been around some of the game's most interesting and abrasive on-ice personalities.
But don't count modern-day NHL agitator Sean Avery among them.
The Hall of Famer didn't hide his distaste for the Dallas Stars' pesky winger when asked about Avery's antics on TSN's Off The Record on Wednesday.
The Flyers' senior vice-president also joins the NHL on TSN panel in tonight's game between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers at 7pm et/4pm pt.
The prime example he used was Avery's actions during the first round of last season's playoffs. Avery parked at the edge of Brodeur's crease and waved his arms wildly to distract the Devils' goaltender. He also waved the blade of his stick back and forth in front of Brodeur's mask and later scored on him.
The two players will be reunited Wednesday night when the Stars visit the Devils.
"He's (Avery) making a fool of the game," Clarke told TSN. "He crosses the line all the time. He's an idiot. And if the referees see him giving it to Brodeur like he did in the playoffs - yapping, yapping, yapping - it's pre-meditated. Give him a penalty. You'll end it right away. If not, I think one of the Devils should come to Brodeur's aid. Drill him, punch him, make him fight. If he wants to be a yapper, make him fight."
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Not that I have much use for Bobby’s Clarke’s extremely “dirty” style of play over his extinguished career in the NHL, but he’s right about one thing – Sean Avery is a goof.