Rangers' Sean Avery out for season with lacerated spleen

NEW YORK (AP) -- -- NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Rangers forward Sean Avery has been hospitalized after lacerating his spleen during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In a statement Wednesday, the team said the noted agitator was taken to St. Vincent's hospital after New York's 5-3 loss Tuesday night and was admitted following a CT scan.

Avery will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Rangers said, but is expected to make a full recovery.

The Daily News first reported on its Web site Wednesday morning that Avery was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. The newspaper said the 28-year-old was unconscious and not breathing when he was taken to the medical center. He arrived about 3 a.m. Wednesday, a person at the hospital told the newspaper.

The Rangers trail the Penguins 3-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series with Game 4 scheduled for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

Avery had an assist on the Rangers' second goal in Tuesday night's game.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-04-30-08 1235EDT