Sean Avery might have been trying to keep a lower profile since returning to the NHL with the New York Rangers last March, but he still has a mean streak.
The much publicized forward reportedly took some verbal shots at Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last season.
According to an excerpt of Boudreau's new book, Gabby: Confessions of a Hockey Lifer, obtained by The Washington Times, Avery made disparaging comments about the weight of the Capitals' coach during Game 7.
"He told me I was the biggest, fattest bleeping pig he had ever seen," recounted Boudreau in his book. "He told me I was fatter than bleeping Ken Hitchcock. He told me I was going to die because I was such a fat bleep."
Boudreau coached Avery while they were both with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL in 2003. Avery played in three playoff games for Manchester, the Los Angeles Kings AHL affiliate, after being acquired as part of a package of players and picks from the Detroit Red Wings for defenceman Mathieu Schneider.
When commenting on Avery's playing ability, Boudreau explained he had respect for what the controversial forward can do on the ice.
"He's a really good hockey player. I've had him, know of him, played with his dad and all of those things. But he knows how important the playoffs are and he's just going to be a really good thorn in our side that can play hockey with the best of them."