Saturday, December 6, 2008

Super Pests

In the wake of the Sean Avery incident, Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.com takes a look at five other NHL agitators from the last 30 years including two former Rangers.

The first ex-Ranger mentioned is Esa Tikkanen who Lebrun says was such a big pest because 'no one could figure out what language he was speaking.' Lebrun in typical ESPN fashion drops the ball when he says Tikkanen earned his cup rings in Edmonton. Umm..Lebrun, Tikkanen was on a team from New York in 1994 that I think won the cup.

The other ex-Ranger mentioned is Theo Fleury, who Lebrun even mentions is a surprise to be on his list due to Fleury's offensive prowess. Lebrun adds that Fleury compiled over 1,840 career penalty minutes and was the most hated Calgary Flame by members of the Edmonton Oilers in the Battle of Alberta. Fleury wasn't much liked by Islander players either during his three year run on Broadway.

Other players mentioned include Dale Hunter, Ken Linseman and Claude Lemieux.

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