Islanders' Wisniewski Makes Obscene Gesture Towards Rangers' Avery

(The Wall Street Journal) - New York Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski made a sexually explicit gesture towards Rangers winger Sean Avery during his NHL team's 6-4 win in Uniondale on Monday.

In an incident that will most likely outlast the game's outcome in the headlines, Wisniewski confronted famous agitator Avery in front of the Islanders' net in the first period.

After the two exchanged words, Wisniewski made the gesture toward Avery, which turned into an escalating war-of-words after the game.

"It's pretty obvious what the guy was doing, but I'm sure nothing will happen to him, because nothing ever happens," said Avery. "They sent me to rehab last time I did something like that. It's crazy."

In 2008, Avery was punished for making derogatory comments about an ex-girlfriend.

Wisniewski had no response to Avery's comments about punishment.

"What happens on the ice stays on the ice. We're out there doing our jobs," Wisniewski said. "It's Game 2 of the season and we were playing like it was Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Both teams played hard. It was a big win for us."

Also not commenting was Islanders coach Scott Gordon, who said, "I can tell you I will never talk about Sean Avery."

When he was further pressed for comment, Gordon stormed out of the press conference room.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who was in attendance, told reporters he didn't see the gesture, but said the league will take care of the matter.

Source: The Wall Street Journal