On the Beat: Action packed morning

What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:

• More on Sean Avery (pun intended), as word has broken that the Stars winger had a confrontation with a fan in Boston earlier this season.  The Stars can’t get rid of him fast enough.
• Check out Stars GM Les Jackson’s quote on Avery.  See above opinion.
• Ron Francis has become an associate coach with the Hurricanes and will join new/old coach Paul Maurice behind the bench for the remainder of the season.  Francis is one of the smartest hockey players ever to play the game, so I’m sure he’ll add a ton of insight from behind the bench.
• Marian Gaborik skated this morning.  What a disaster his season has turned into.
• Petr Prucha will be in the line-up for the Rangers tonight.  Opting out of the conditioning stint appears to have been a good decision.
• The Lightning’s ECHL affiliate has folded.  Things just keep getting better for the Tampa organization!
• Here are the Capitals’ lines from practice today.  Ovechkin is taking the day off, so don’t worry.