Sean Avery Doesn't Believe In Preseason.

This is exactly what the Devils do not want to see this season: Ilya Kovalchuk scuffling and yapping with Sean Avery. But that's what took place in Saturday night's preseason game at the Prudential Center. "We should be better than that," Kovalchuk said after the Rangers won the game, 5-4, with a power play goal from Michael del Zotto 52 seconds in overtime. "We can't get into their game. We all know he's (Avery) going to do that." Worse, the Devils hope the NHL will not mistake Kovalchuk's gesture toward Avery midway through the third period. The two were on their respective benches when Kovalchuk made a gesture to "zip it." He hopes it didn't look like a threat to Avery. "I just told him to zip it," Kovalchuk said. "I didn't tell him I'd kill him, so don't suspend me." Does he think the league will look at it? I don't know. Maybe," Kovalchuk said. Late in the third Avery chopped Kovalchuk on the hand. There was no penalty call. "Part of the game. Nothing special," said Kovalchuk, clearly unhurt. Kovalchuk, who had a goal and an assist in the game, was a little angry at himself. Avery ran Brian Rolston into the end boards at 2:18 of the second period. When David Clarkson dropped his gloves to fight, Avery wouldn't do the same. Avery skated away and confronted Kovalchuk, who got a punch in before Avery turtled. "You know him. That's his game," Kovalchuk said of Avery's yapping and chippy style. "He did a good job. They had nothing going their way and they got some energy."

Sounds like Avery is in mid-season form. They make a big deal that Avery doesn't fight Clarkson but why would he? He's a scrub. Instead he pisses off the golden boy Kovalchuk and sends them both to the penalty box. Well played, sir. Well played. Especially when he's already whooped Kovalchuk's ass in the past.