Happy return for Avery

A Mike Modano goal eight minutes into the third period lifted the Dallas Stars to a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Monday, helping Sean Avery mark his return to Madison Square Garden with a win. The game was the first for Avery in New York since he signed a four-year deal with the Stars as a free agent in the summer. The forward was booed all night by the home fans, but the man himself said he was unmoved by the hostile reception.

"I was enjoying the boos as much as the cheers," he said. "That's what is great about this place." Brendan Morrow netted Dallas's other goal in the second period, while Markus Naslund scored for New York after just 58 seconds, but the home team were unable to build on that. * Reuters