NEW YORK — New York Rangers forward Sean Avery has been hospitalized after lacerating his spleen during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In a statement today, the team said the noted agitator was taken to St. Vincent's hospital after New York's 5-3 loss last night and was admitted following a CT scan.

Avery will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Rangers said, but is expected to make a full recovery.

The Daily News first reported on its Web site this morning that Avery was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. The newspaper said the 28-year-old was unconscious and not breathing when he was taken to the medical center. He arrived about 3 a.m. today, a person at the hospital told the newspaper.

The Rangers trail the Penguins 3-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series with Game 4 scheduled for tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden.

Avery had an assist on the Rangers' second goal in Tuesday night's game.