Rangers scratch Sean Avery for Game 5

The New York Rangers scratched controversial forward Sean Avery for Friday night's Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals.

Avery took two needless penalties -- one for roughing, the other for high sticking -- in the third period of Game 4, giving the Caps a pair of power plays. The Rangers survived both and edged the Capitals 2-1 to take a 3-1 series lead.

In the four games, Avery has no points, 10 shots on goal, 24 penalty minutes (seven minors and a misconduct) and is minus-1.

After Game 4, Rangers coach John Tortorella had refused to say whether he would dress Avery for Friday night's game.

Aaron Voros, a healthy scratch in each of the last three games, dressed in Avery's place.

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