 After losing a bitter series against the rival New York Rangers in the opening round of the 2008 NHL playoffs , Brodeur refused to shake Sean Avery 's hand . During game three of the series , in an unusual move , Avery turned to face Brodeur during a 5 @-@ on @-@ 3 power play , and began waving his hands and stick in front of Brodeur 's face in an effort to distract him . The day after this game the NHL announced that it had revised its unsportsmanlike conduct rule , now known as The Sean Avery Rule , effectively outlawing such antics . 
