Comments, Conduct Land Avery on Bench

Sean Avery was benched for Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars at least partly because of comments he made Friday that the Kings were “getting pushed around” and weren’t “team tough” in a 4-0 loss Wednesday to the Phoenix Coyotes.

Avery, the NHL’s most penalized player, told reporters those were the reasons he threw down Phoenix forward Mike Sillinger and punched him twice while he lay motionless, actions that led to a nine-minute power play for the Coyotes.

King Coach Andy Murray said his decision to bench Avery was based on his on-ice behavior, although Avery said that was a minor part of the equation.

“I think it was because of the things that were said in the paper. That’s what he told me,” said Avery, who said he did not know when he would play again. “I guess he perceived it as a jab toward my teammates.”

Avery said Saturday morning he had not received negative feedback from any teammates.

“I don’t know how some guys would react to it,” he said. “There would probably be mixed feelings. If they’re upset with me about that, that’s something I’ll have to deal with.”

*

In a somewhat surprising move, the Kings sent forward Michael Cammalleri to minor-league affiliate Manchester (N.H.). The move was partly precipitated by Derek Armstrong’s return from a broken finger, but Cammalleri had struggled in recent weeks.

Cammalleri scored eight goals in 11 games after being called up from Manchester in mid-November, but he did not have a goal in his last 11 games.

“Michael Cammalleri is a top-six forward,” said assistant general manager Kevin Gilmore. “He comes up and gives us a stretch where he’s giving us that type of play. Then he tails off a little bit and you can’t let that go on too long. Hopefully he goes down to Manchester and tears it up and gets his scoring back.”

*

Goaltender Milan Hnilicka was put on the injured reserve list Saturday after suffering a broken finger while stopping a shot in Friday’s practice. Mathieu Chouinard was recalled from Manchester and served as Cristobal Huet’s backup Saturday.... Goaltender Roman Cechmanek, who has been out six games since aggravating a hip injury, said his condition is improving and did not rule out being ready to play Wednesday against the Mighty Ducks.... Forward Ian Laperriere, who has missed 19 games because of a concussion, could play against the Mighty Ducks. He said he hasn’t felt any dizziness since Dec. 23.