April 30 (Bloomberg) -- New York Rangers forward Sean Avery was rushed to a hospital early this morning in cardiac arrest hours after his team lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a second-round playoff game, the New York Daily News said.

Avery was unconscious and not breathing when he was taken to St. Vincent's Medical Center at about 3 a.m. New York time, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified person at the hospital. The Rangers had earlier lost Game 3 of their series against Pittsburgh 5-3 at Madison Square Garden.

The Daily News didn't say what happened to Avery before he was taken do the hospital. An unidentified person close to the team confirmed Avery had been rushed to the hospital, but didn't give any specifics. The Rangers wouldn't comment on the Daily News story, and St. Vincent's Hospital spokesman Michael Fagan didn't immediately return a message for comment.

Avery, traded to the Rangers from Los Angeles last year and known for his abrasive style of play, had an assist in last night's game on the Rangers' second goal. In New York's opening- round series win against New Jersey, Avery feuded with Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. His antics in one game, in which he tried to distract Brodeur by waving his stick in front of the goalie's face, prompted the league to implement a rule change and also caused Brodeur to refuse to shake Avery's hand when the series ended.

To contact the reporter on this story: Larry DiTore in New York at lditore@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: April 30, 2008 12:25 EDT