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National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell today issued the following advisory on the interpretation of Rule 75 - Unsportsmanlike Conduct: "An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

The impetuous was Avery's face-guarding, poking and prodding of Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur during a 5-on-3 power play in New Jersey's eventual 4-3 overtime win in Game 3. Avery waved his blade side to side to block Brodeur's vision and Brodeur responded with a whack, another friendly exchange between two individuals who dislike each other, but will inevitably have to shake hands when this series comes to an end.

You can read the full story here. Among the highlights:

"I've played for 15 years in this league. I've been watching games for 33 years. I had never seen that in my life," Brodeur said. "I don't think that kind of behavior should be done in front of the net, but there is no rule for it."

"Here we are trying to sell the game, and stuff like that is going on," Devils forward John Madden said. "I just find it childish and I don't agree with any of it. There's not much you can do without taking a penalty or doing something stupid. You've got to ignore him and play on and not let him be a factor in the game."

"He's an idiot," Penguins forward Gary Roberts said.

Love or loathe him, this is Sean Avery, who somebody - if not the Rangers - will be paying big money to be on their side. You're either with Avery or against him, and if you're against him, he will drive you beyond insane to the point where rage takes over and clouds the judgment of even the most disciplined of players. You can try ignoring him, but get back to me if that tactic ever worked with your extremely annoying kid brother or sister.

Memo to any Rangers fan who cries foul over the league taking another slap at their beloved No. 16: Would you feel the same way if Madden did the same to Henrik Lundqvist? Let it go — more important issues are on the table.

GAME 3 QUICK HITS
• The Devils worked hard from the opening face off of Game 3 and it paid off. Sure, two of their goals came off fluke deflections, but when you outwork your opponent these breaks go your way. Besides, you didn't expect the Rangers to sweep the offensively-impotent but relentlessly-resilient Devils, did you?

"We didn't expect that this would be a walk in the park, you know, it's a seven-game series," said Rangers head coach Tom Renney. "They're a very good team against whom we've had very close games all year long. The puck bounces as it does, and this time it was their turn."

The Rangers being called for 11 penalties, resulting in a Devils power play that went 2-for-8, didn't help either. Eleven penalties by a veteran team in a playoff game is absolutely inexcusable.

Brandon Dubinsky scored two goals, the first two of his postseason career and the last Rangers rookie to do so since Ryan Callahan last year against the Atlanta.

• Jaromir Jagr registered three assists in 21:58 of icetime to earn Third Star honors. He led all team forwards in icetime (21:58). Jagr has recorded a point in each of the last two games, collecting one goal and three assists for four points over the span.

• Marc Staal delivered six hits (tying Dubinsky for the team lead and skated a team-high, 26:33. His six hits also tied for a team-high. Too bad him being in the wrong place at the wrong time led to Madden's game-winner. Madden's bad-angle shot deflected off Staal's skate and past Lundqvist.