Sean Avery is back on the ice for the New York Rangers, and the decision to return him to the lineup Sunday was made by suspended coach John Tortorella.
Avery took a pair of senseless penalties that threatened New York's one-goal lead in a Game 4 victory over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. He paid for his actions by sitting out Friday night.
The noted agitator didn't play in the Rangers' 4-0 loss in Game 5 that cut their lead in the best-of-seven series to 3-2. Colton Orr was scratched from Sunday's lineup.
Assistant coach Jim Schoenfeld said Tortorella made the call to put Avery back into action before he was forced to leave the dressing room at noon. Tortorella received a one-game suspension for a confrontation with a fan Friday.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
