Avery Slams Murray

This was like waiting for the sun to rise in the east. It was inevitable.

The Kings’ Sean Avery had a strong opinion about the firing of Coach Andy Murray, who was replaced Tuesday by interim Coach John Torchetti.

Avery sparred with reporters as soon as they walked into the Kings’ dressing room after the morning skate Saturday.

“Why did you guys get brainwashed by that guy?” Avery said. “Do some work on your own now. Come up with some original [stuff] instead of letting him script everything for you.

“You can’t call him now for a quote. Sorry, he doesn’t work here anymore. Look at you guys, you’re in shock. You’re not writing anything down. You’re in shock.”

“I can’t wait to play tonight under our new coach, that’s how I stand,” Avery said. “I have no comment about our old coach.”

Asked why he liked Torchetti, Avery said, “I think there is going to be more accountability. No one was accountable here.”

Asked why there was no accountability, Avery said, “I don’t know.” Later, when leaving the room, he added, “If you guys need any more stuff, just ask for me.”

It was probably the first monologue by Avery this season that will not be reviewed by Colin Campbell, the NHL director of hockey operations.

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Defenseman Brent Sopel was a late scratch because of a sore knee, an injury he suffered while playing for the New York Islanders.

He was replaced by Tim Gleason, who was going to be scratched so he could rest his sore left knee.