Watch NY Rangers vs Atlanta at 7:30 PM ET, January 7, 2010, Live Streaming.

New York Rangers coach John Tortorella insists he hasn’t been holding back Sean Avery. The noted agitator didn’t hold anything back in his last contest.

Avery will try to build on a career-best performance Thursday night when the Rangers visit the Atlanta Thrashers, losers of nine in a row.

Avery, who was waived by Dallas following a league-imposed suspension for crude comments about his former girlfriends dating other NHL players, rejoined the Rangers (21-17-5) in March. The left wing had been a fan favorite in New York for frustrating and jawing with opponents during the 2007-08 season, when he had 15 goals and 18 assists to help the club reach the Eastern Conference semifinals.

A two-time league penalty minutes leader, Avery often hasn’t shown the same edge this season, but Tortorella denied trying to inhibit his play.

(Streaming show 5 minutes before match)