Cuthbert's Ex Suspended Over "Sloppy Seconds"

The NHL rarely is amused by anything Sean Avery says or does, and proved it again by suspending the former Ranger pest Tuesday night for what the league termed "inappropriate" comments and conduct "detrimental" to the game of hockey.

Avery, who left the Blueshirts to sign a four-year $15.5 million deal last summer with Dallas, was banned indefinitely pending a hearing with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for making derogatory comments about his former girlfriend - actress Elisha Cuthbert, who currently is dating Calgary star defenseman Dion Phaneuf - before Tuesday night's game between the Stars and the Flames.

"I am really glad to be back in Calgary, I love Canada," Avery said after requesting the media to gather around him for a statement after the morning skate. "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."

Avery is reviled as an agitator across the league, but was beloved at the Garden because of it during his 1-1/2seasons with the Rangers.

During last year's first-round playoff series against the Devils, his actions spurred the NHL to enact what is now known simply as the "Avery Rule." On one power-play opportunity, Avery waved his hands and stick in Martin Brodeur's face in an attempt to distract the Devils goalie.

Off the ice, Avery denied a report in the Daily News last March that said his name was listed in a "black book" allegedly belonging to reputed Manhattan madam Kristin Davis.

In addition to Cuthbert, Avery also reportedly has dated model Rachel Hunter, who is engaged to Kings center Jarrett Stoll. The Stars publicly supported the NHL's decision to ban Avery.

"Had the league not have suspended him, the Dallas Stars would have," team owner Tom Hicks said in a statement. "This organization will not tolerate such behavior, especially from a member of our hockey team. We hold our team to a higher standard and will continue to do so."

-New York Daily News