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NEW YORK (AP) -Sean Avery easily brushed off Martin Brodeur's snub in the handshake line following the New York Rangers' five-game, opening-round playoff win against the New Jersey Devils.
After all, there will be more goalies to antagonize in what he and the Rangers hope will be a long run through the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"We just wanted to come out and win the series," Avery said after the Rangers' 5-3 road win Friday night finished off the Devils in the Eastern Conference matchup. "We played well as a team, and it's Step One of four steps."
Most of Avery's steps and drives ended with him in Brodeur's crease and face. He has long agitated the man who is close to becoming the winningest goalie in NHL history.
No one's pedigree is impressive enough for Avery to change his game. If anything, the credentials rile him up more.
"I just tried to go to the net, and I think that's what we tried to do all series - go to the net hard and play hard around the net," he said. "That's how you score goals in the playoffs."
The affable Brodeur proceeded through the handshake line once the Rangers' third win of the series in New Jersey was complete. He extended his hand to each New York player - except for one.
Avery had already endured a night of being targeted by the likes of Devils forwards David Clarkson and John Madden, who repeatedly pounded and knocked down the indefatigable pest. A diss from a perturbed yet vanquished opponent certainly wasn't going to faze or rattle him.
When asked if he is built to handle heat and abuse dished out by opposing players or a thirsty media corps that can't seem to get enough of him, Avery's answer was simple.
"I think that's pretty obvious, don't you?" he asked with a sincere yet perplexed look and a hint of laughter in his voice.
He's not the first to be blown off on a handshake line in the playoffs. New York Islanders Hall of Fame goalie Billy Smith was famous for not even joining them. Avery continued through the parade of Devils as Brodeur passed and turned his head away.
"Everyone talks about how much class I don't have, well it's the end of the series and men go to war against each other," said Avery, who scored in each of the first three games. "I guess he forgot to shake my hand.
"Of course I was going to shake his hand."
Yanks1in99 
