"John Tortorella yesterday endorsed the Rangers' move to reinstate Sean Avery, the coach stating before last night's 5-2 Garden victory over the Sharks, "It's the right decision."

Of course after the game, Tortorella would not guarantee Avery a spot in the lineup Thursday against the Ducks even if he is on the roster, saying, "I don't know what the lineup is going to be next game . . . I'm going to force-feed anything."

Tortorella confirmed that the decision to recall Avery -- or at least to make the effort -- was tied to Mike Rupp's ailing left knee that seems likely to sideline the winger for an indefinite period."